June 20, 2005
The new Fallen Angel Artist
It's already been announced at www.newsarama.com, but I figure we should stay on top of things here as well. JK Woodward will be the new artist for "Fallen Angel," and a sample of his work is below. There seems to be a misconception by some Newsarama denizens that this is merely a cover and they're withholding judgment until they see the pencils. No, this is Woodward's style. The entire book will have this painted look to it. What you see here is what you'll be getting cover-to-cover.
Cool. A much better fit for the title than the artist from the DC run, i think (not that it had bad art before, just that this seems more in synch to me).
This changes everything...
In the sense that we're definitely heading down "atmosphere and mood" storytelling as opposed to just good line art.
I second the Bill-and-Ted-esque "Whoa."
Just marvelous. It does bear questioning whether FA will be monthly or bi-monthly this time around, though, due to Woodward's overwhelmingly detailed style.
I thought David Lopez and Fernando Blanco were good. Woodward blows 'em out of the water completely with just one image (and, okay, the others I've seen of his B&W sequentials on Digital Webbing).
Good times. PAD, this artist may be just what the doctor ordered to grab some additional momentum on this book.
~G.
Fab, fab, fab. Can't wait :)
I really did like David Lopez and Fernando Blanco's work but this leaves me just as excited. I loved the book and I'm really pleased Lee's coming back - I find myself unable to read any more stories about men in tights so this is a real treat :)
I second the previous "Holy shit." That's absolutely gorgeous. Who is this Woodward? What else has he done? I've never heard of him before.
Reminds me of Alec Ross's style.
Very nice...I just hope he says on board. I really liked Chris Cross's artwork on Capt Marvel but he left the book shortly after the momentum got started in my humble opinion.
Hey Peter any chance of you working with Angel Medina again in the near future? I still have fond memories of your Dreadstar stories.
Regards:
Warren S. Jones III
Wow.
However, I'm trying to picture this style the first time Lee drops a "'kay" on someone....
Is he going to be able to produce this kind of quality every month? DAMN!!!! New wallpaper for sure!
Ah, no inks then. Well, the picture looks lovely, good luck with the new look!
Nice, but I'm not sure if it fits the storytelling. With this fully painted Style, be it Muth or Ross or whoever, I always kind of find it detracts me from the actual comicbook-feeling.
holy f-ing somethin' or other!
I just found my new desktop wallpaper!
Gorgeous!
oh that is definitely sweet.
when's the first issue due to hit the stands? just out of curiousity...is it starting over with issue #1?
I second Snowspinner and Mike M - Woodward can produce this on a monthly basis? Good god, I'll break down and buy single issues for this!
Holy expletive deleted.
Did you pick this guy out, Peter, or did IDW? Because this is FREAKING GENIUS!
These are the INTERIORS?!?!?! Oh man... this is going to be amazing. Even if FA is only bi-monthly or whatever, I think this is perfect.
This is absolutely amazing! :)
I very much hope this artist stays.
I'll be the lone voice of dissension here, and say "meh". I'm not keen on the look, myself.
But on the plus side, I've never ever once bought a comic for the artwork. (Or not bought one for the artwork). It's always always always the story. And so I'll be buying every single issue regardless. I love that series.
WOW!!!!!!
ok, i'll have to stop buying 2 Bendis' titles to make room for this puppy.
it's beautiful, peter.
joe v.
Great looking art!
I was able to get all the single issues of Fallen Angel since day one, and I'm definitely looking forward to the second series.
I can not think of an adjective that will express what I felt when I saw that art work!!! I CAN NOT wait for this book to come out!!!!
Wow. I loved the original artwork, but this looks amazing as well!
1AWSOME!!! SO PUMPED I COULD PUKE....due to anticipation!
Ive never read this series but Im going to now with that artwork. Really beautiful stuff.
PAD, you're a lucky dude to have such talented people workin with you :)
That picture is fantastic. the wings, the cloak, the way the alley looks kind of like a dirty alley and kind of like a palace, it's facinating.
However,I share the concern of the fellow above. With very few exceptions (and by "very few" I mean "Kingdom Come) find painted art to be distracting from the actual storytelling. As a story-oriented reader, I've always felt that being pulled out of the book to go "Wow, that is an awesome drawing," is still getting pulled out of the book. That is awfully pretty, though. My excitement far outstrips my wariness. Is this the first ever painted ongoing?
Does Mr. Woodward have any sequential work available for purchase? I'd like to see more of his stuff.
"Nice, but I'm not sure if it fits the storytelling. With this fully painted Style, be it Muth or Ross or whoever, I always kind of find it detracts me from the actual comicbook-feeling."
Posted by HD at June 20, 2005 03:27 PM
I can see where you're coming from; It's denfintly going change the style and feel of the book, but still, you gotta at least pick up the first issue and give try before passing judgement.
I'm guite looking foward to seeing how Fallen Angel will read without the comicbook feeling.
While it was a pleasure to watch Mr. Lopez grow as an artist I am really looking forward to the new painted look as it suits the tone of the book more.
I also have reservations. Not because of the distraction effect, but because a lot of painted-style art sacrifices storytelling for looking nice on a wall, or ends up with murky colors. Or both.
So, withholding praise or slams until I see an actual complete issue, and can judge whether he does a good job actually telling the story.
As nice as the artwork looks, can he maintain a monthly schedule?
Also, I was **REALLY** hoping for a re-teaming of Leonard Kirk and Robin Riggs for this title.
I said previously that I dropped FA because I thought the art was weak. I don't think I will be able to say the same with this new publication.
PAD:
Just a question. I have a problem with IDW's pricing on "Grimjack" $3.99 is pretty dear for even a LONG-TIME Grimjack fan.
How much input do you have on the price of FA? I'd hate to scare new readers off because of the price.
1I'm not usually a fan of painted artwork, but this guy's stuff is gorgeous!
I'll miss Lopez (will he still be doing FA's covers?), but this Woodward guy looks like a real find. PAD always scouts the hot, new talent. :)
The cover price is determined by IDW. And yeah, I know $3.99--which is the likely price--isn't cheap. But let's face facts: My guess is that around half the retailers in this country don't carry IDW books at all. There will be fans of "Fallen Angel" who will remain oblivious to the fact that the book is back because their retailers don't turn to the IDW section of "Previews." They carry Marvel, DC, Image, maybe Dark Horse, and that's it.
Hell, there were retailers who ordered no shelf copies of "Fallen Angel" when it was a DC title. As I've noted before, last time I was at San Diego I encountered any number of people who told me they were huge fans of mine who read everything I wrote. These were people who knew about "Madrox" and my return to "Hulk," even though neither was on the stands yet. And I would say, "Do you read 'Fallen Angel.'?" No exaggeration: Nine out of ten looked at me blankly and said, "What's that?" even though it had been out for over a year.
If IDW tried to price "Fallen Angel" in accordance with DC, faced with the ordering realities of the market, publishing it simply wouldn't be financially feasible. The pricing structure has to allow for all the people who will never see the book at all and the lower print run that will entail. If that comes across as chicken-and-egg, I would have to disagree by pointing at the array of indy corpses stacked up that tried, and failed, to go head-to-head with pricing.
Will some fans be daunted by the extra dollar? I suppose they have to ask themselves, which will make more of a difference in their lives: The addition of more issues of "Fallen Angel" to their shelves, or four quarters in their pocket? I can't make that decision for them.
PAD
I can tell you this, though: If "Fallen Angel" from IDW sells the same numbers as it did for DC, I can make a pretty strong case for lowering the price back to $2.99, pitching it as a reward to the faithful and a means of encouraging others to climb aboard.
PAD
Well, I didn't read much of Fallen Angel the first series. However, I do like the looks of that artwork and will definitely pick up the first issue. Also plan to pick up that Spike one-shot.
As an 'old school retailer', many thanks to Peter's advice back in the day he was working in Marvel's PR department, I plan on carrying this title for the few regular customers that bought his DC run and my business is located in a small rural town!
It never ceases to amaze me at the number of retailers who "order to match their subs" and never order beyond that, or try a title that no one has asked for. Sure, I don't order every indy out there, as I'd go broke, but I do order IDW books that people want, such as CSI. I even > gasp!
I also order books that catch my eye from creators I am familiar with, like Jim Starlin. I know my customers may not have heard about the book because it isn't a mainstream title - but they may want it because they like Jim's (or Peter's) work.
I did order Lady Death for my customers after it went to Avataar, but the customers decided they didn't like the latest incarnation and dropped the book. But at least they, and I, gave it a chance.
2nd paragraph should have included, after the "I even gasp" order books folks don't ask for to try out a new title.
Customer walked in and asked about Walking Dead, and books by Steve Niles... books on my shelf that were not special ordered for subscriptions.
Ain't karma great?
Yowza!
At first I was hesitant about the typical IDW $3.99 pricetag, but the fact that Woodwards sample is interior art and not merely a cover is enough of a closer for me. You can be assured that I'm on board for this one.
Fortunately, one of the dealers in my local shop has been a big "Fallen Angel" booster since day one (he was the one who put it on my radar in the first place and it's from his shop that I was able to nab 19 of the 20 issues).
As for IDW's apparent lack of size and importance in the eyes of local comic dealers, I doubt it will remain that way for long. I'm sure a lot of comic fans (and maybe a few *gasp* non-comics readers) are buzzing about the forthcoming Angel and Spike books, and anyone who thinks that IDW's Transformers won't sell gangbusters when it comes out later this year weren't paying attention to the initial sales figures of the Dreamwave book before they oversaturated the market and Pat Lee ran the company into the ground. I think 'Fallen Angel' is in rather good company.
This forum was just brought to my attention so I thought I'd introduce myself.
The most common question seems to be whether or not I can maintain a monthly schedule. I confident I can(mostly because I ussually don;'t need more than 4-5 hours sleep a night.)
Right now I'm currently working on CSI:NY for IDW which will start in JUly. Withe the flashback artist filling in I'm only required to do 16-18 pages a month. But I'm making this deadline(for the most part) while maintaining separate 9 hr a day job. When I start FA, I plan to quit that job because doing both is just unrealistic. I'm sure once I add that extra 9 hours a day to my schedule, I'll be able to get all the pages done in a month with out a problem.
There seemed also to be some curiousity about my sequential work. If you want to see some of that, go here:
http://www.vonphantasi.com/images/comic/CRAZYMARY/CM01-start.html
This is a book I did for digital Webbing #16 last year and should give you a flavour.
Finally, I'll try to pop back in a couple of times in case there are any more questions, but please don't hate me if I don't make it back too often. With my day job and CSI:NY, I'm putting in 19-21 hours a day and I may be too busy to pop in as often as I like to.
(Also, living on 3 hours sleep a night can make me a little forgetful)
Tell me one thing, why David López isn't doing the book
I'm not usually a fan of painted comics, but this artist looks like a true visionary. I own the full run of the DC Fallen Angel books and had half planned to ask my comic dealer to carry this new series. This artwork sample clinches it. Note to J.K. Woodward: Get normal amounts of sleep occasionally. We want you for the long haul.
Woodward is outstanding, and I had the good fortune to work with him on my own Mortal Coils comic book much earlier in 2004. In addition to its cover, he also painted one of the stories, which remains one of my favorites to this day -- I am thrilled that a wider audience is noticing his talent and that he is prospering from it!
So you did go with a super unknown artist who'll make a great name for him/her self working off your great writing!
YAY!
I'm glad you a) have great taste in artists and b) have the trust to bring unknown talent to the forefront.
I wish you the best of luck for the series. J.K. Woodward, sorry for calling you an unknown with the style developed here its obvious you know your craft and I hope the Fallen Angel exposure brings you lots of success.
I'm looking at it this way. I was spending $2.99 on FA for PAD's writing. I really couldn't have cared less (could have cared significantly more) about the artist. This isn't saying I didn't like the artwork; that just wasn't why I was buying the comic.
Judging from this art, and what I saw on the link Woodward provided, I think I may be willing to spend $1 an issue on Woodward.
Amazing. My brother bought Fallen Angel when it was publishe dby DC and I read all his copies (poor and unemployed was my excuse for not buying my own). Still poor but I'm definetely going to swing the extra dollar to get the new series for myself, the art is amazing!
I hope this one lasts.
"This forum was just brought to my attention so I thought I'd introduce myself"
Welcome, my friend, to the show that never ends. If you're interested, you may also want to check out newsarama.com where you're a subject of much conversation.
"Tell me one thing, why David López isn't doing the book"
He did twenty issues. There are artists who do a book for six issues and then move on to something else. David won't be continuing with the art on the series. Beyond that, you'd really have to ask him.
PAD
First, thanx Peter! Not only for the welcome, but also for inviting me to be a part of FA.
and for that matter, thanx to all of you for all your kind words about my work.
For a quality product, I'll pay $1 extra. Heck, I was buying 2 of every issue near the end to try to bolster sales a little bit (seemed to work wonders, huh) so I'm happy to just have more FA.
I can't wait to see some interiors. My brain exploded a little bit thinking about a full-time job AND making that kind of art. Though I know a lot of artists have to do that these days.
I just hope the art isn't SO good JK Woodward gets snapped away by another company. :)
After having checked out that link, much of my apprehenion is dispelled. The art is gorgeous, but without the "meant to be hung on a wall, not to be read as part of a story" look I think marrs most painted book.
Every annoucement gets me more and more excited for this book.
In fact, I want to see more of the linked comic. Anybody know where I can get my hands on it?
I'm thoroughly excited about this.
That art is breathtaking, and I can't wait to see more. I've been championing this book from the rooftops from virtually its inception, and I'll continue to do so. It just might be the finest work of Peter David's long and illustrious career.
About the price, I can merely say this: I'm more than willing to pay the extra buck to know that the book is continuing. I've bought some IDW books, mostly the early CSI limited series, and I can say this much: the books are put together beautifully, with rich colors and heavy paper stock. They package the work very well.
Our Lee is in good hands, as ever. :-)
Sorry for the double post, but I thought I'd add this:
I believe the biggest hurdle that FA will have to overcome is the fact that the other DC issues will not be collected in trade form.
I'm already seeing posts online from folks who like what they see, but remark: "The other issues from the DC run won't be collected in TPB form? I don't know. I hate to jump into the book without having read the prior issues."
If there's one message we should all be spreading, it's that one need not have read the first 20 issues of FA to read this book. PAD has offered a fresh start, and that's the point we need to hammer online and with our friends.
I just finished agonizing over whether to order the Spike one-shot, but finally decided that at $8 cover I could afford to live without it.
I was prepared to go through the same agonizing in a few months when the IDW Fallen Angel appears on the Westfield order form. Having now seen Woodward's art this will no longer be a problem. I am (like others who posted above) primarily interested in the writing, but this art looks so good that I can see I will regret not paying the extra money (and thus missing out on the book) much more than I would regret spending the money.
I do not (alas!) have unlimited funds to spend on comics, and increasingly this means making hard decisions when ordering comics, but there are many comics I am still buying and reading which will give me much less pleasure than Fallen Angel. Count me in.
And PAD: many thanks for continuing this series! I realize there are many other things you could be doing instead, and am glad you chose to continue the story of this fascinating character and her world. You hooked some of us on it, and I am very glad you are trying not to leave us dangling.
Michael Cravens,
"I believe the biggest hurdle that FA will have to overcome is the fact that the other DC issues will not be collected in trade form."
I believe this fear is overblown. The conception that "readers are lost" unless everything that came before is explained to them is beyond a cliche. It is a lame excuse for those who don't want to try something different.
Think of the first comic you read. Mine was an issue of "Amazing Soider-Man", the first of a two-parter that would take me about 15 years to see the conclusion! The first book that really got me into collecting was a copy of "Incredible Hulk". In both cases, I didn't need to know what happened the previous decade and a half to enjoy the ride.
It's called good writing. PAD is a good writer. So enjoying the series, for those inclined to do so, sjhouldn't be a problem.
"I believe the biggest hurdle that FA will have to overcome is the fact that the other DC issues will not be collected in trade form."
See, whereas I believe the biggest hurdle is that many retailers only carry Marvel, DC, Image, and maybe Dark Horse, and that's it. Hell, even when FA was being published by DC, there were plenty of retailers who didn't order so much as a single store copy.
Naturally I'm thrilled that you folks like the sample art. Let's even say that's going to be the cover of issue #1. Now consider that many, if not most, stores won't have it on the stands to catch browsers' eyes and you'll see what our biggest problem is.
PAD
Well, now that I fully consider it, you're probably right. If the stores aren't carrying it, then anybody who might be interested in the book won't bother.
I completely believe that there are still retailers who refuse to stray beyond the big four. Luckily, my comic shop orders tons of smaller press stuff, including tons of IDW stuff. My comic shop has also been very supportive of the DC trade, carrying at least one shelf copy of the trade for the duration of the DC-run, and reordering it when a copy would sell out.
But yeah, you're right.
And I do think it's overblown, but it does have an effect. I mean, I see something that I really like about to make a return. I see people online who seem really intrigued by the book and interested in picking it up. But then, some of the remarks of interest have been followed by a feeling that they shouldn't even bother because they didn't follow the first series.
It's not unique to comics, as we all know. I tell all my friends to watch "Arrested Development" on television or DVD, and many of them say, "Yeah, I've heard about that show. Ehh. It's probably very funny, but I'm not sure I want to hop on board at this point."
I agree that no one should feel like they have to have followed the DC series to make the jump to IDW. The book has always been very new-reader friendly, compared to other books on the market. But it's a stubborn mindset that's out there, just like refusal to stock IDW books is a stubborn mindset.
It's piercing that mindset that presents the biggest challenge. I'm up to the task, though.
I'm going to speak with my comic shop, to make sure that he'll carry the book and give it tons of support. :-)
Wow.
Shades of the guy who started "Aria" - his art was fantastic. I'll certainly be keeping my sub.
Color me impressed.
"In fact, I want to see more of the linked comic. Anybody know where I can get my hands on it?"
glad you liked it. It's called Crazy Mary and can be found in DWP #16 & 23 and later in what will probably be issuer 30 or so.(I'm doing a 6pager inbetween my last issue of CSI and the first of FA.
If your at San Diego come by the digital Webbing booths, say hello and get yourself a alternate cover version of DWP#23. or find it:
http://www.digitalwebbing.net/dwp/dwp16_preview.html
or find out more about Crazy Mary here:
http://www.whoiscrazymary.com/
It was my intention to start Crazy Mary: the series, next year, but we'll see...
Flame me if you want, but I don't like his artwork at all. It looks like he took some photos and painted over them in Photoshop or Painter or whatever. Also seems a little sloppy and inconsitent. It's really obvious on page 06 of "Crazy Mary" since you can see the parts where he had to deviate from the photo reference look totally off.
Sorry, but I can't get behind this art at all. If I was reading FA before, I'd stop now.
Tell you what, Breck. I think it's badass, so I'll pick up the copy you don't.
"Flame me if you want, but I don't like his artwork at all. It looks like he took some photos and painted over them in Photoshop or Painter or whatever. Also seems a little sloppy and inconsitent. It's really obvious on page 06 of "Crazy Mary" since you can see the parts where he had to deviate from the photo reference look totally off.
Sorry, but I can't get behind this art at all. If I was reading FA before, I'd stop now."
Wow, harsh critique. Well I will say that there is certainy room for improvement and I hope I will get better as become more and more accustomed to the deadlines.
You're right about using photo refs, but not about photoshop or painter. I'm sort of a student of Alex Ross and after first reading his book, I started to employ his methods of using models and then pencilling from their example and painting in gouache.
I'm sorry you didn't like Crazy Mary and won't be on board for this run of FA , but if you happen to see FA in your local comic shop, do me a favour and browse it just in case I improve. I'll be doing my best to live up to PAD's words.
Does anyone know which issue of Preview the #1 will appear in...that is, when do we need to go to our comic dealer and say, "Order This for me, please?"