Why doesn`t Amazing Spider-Man have a Superstar artist?

[Frank]

Isn`t this supposed to be one of Marvel`s most important books with their top, most popular character in it? So why are they giving Spidey this treatment? I don`t get it. That they feel it`s important enough to have someone of JMS`stature in it but that they don`t take the approprate time to get a Top Artist on Amazing Spider-Man is ridiculous. Heck just inside the Marvel walls there are several top artists that would be more than perfect for the job.

The question is who, should draw Amazing Spider-Man...

[Erik B]

well it used to have joh romita jr, which was he only reason i stayed on Amazing as long as i did. Isnt he coming back though because the artwork for the cover of one of the upcoming civil war/amazing spidey books where they ahve the heroes tugging at spidey seems very much like romita's work before he left.

[Cody H]

I think Ron Garney's art has been great on Amazing thus far, though I get the point he's not what you'd consider a "superstar" artist. Amazing did have Mike Deodato for a good long run, who, I thought was something of a "superstar" artist (though my idea of "superstar" may not be well informed, so who knows).

I guess if I had a choice, I'd toss Mark Bagley back on Amazing, as I'm a huge fan of his original run on the book. Also, I believe I'm in the minority with respect to John Romita JR, I was never a fan of his 90s work, just wasn't my cup of tea.

[Chinchalinchin]

Um, are there actually more than three or four "superstar" artists still working today?

[Sam T.]

Hopefully after Civil War they will get someone good on it!

[Gene M.]

Why should it matter if a "superstar" is drawing Spidey? I think it's much better to have a technically strong artist that meets his deadlines on a flagship book than some big name guy that can only put out 6 issues a year.

[Frank]

Why should it matter if a "superstar" is drawing Spidey? I think it's much better to have a technically strong artist that meets his deadlines on a flagship book than some big name guy that can only put out 6 issues a year.

I get what you`re saying. But Amazing Spider-Man is a book that demand the best, it should be a hit book that draws attention considering it`s the mother book of the Spider-Man franchise, the best freakin character in comic.

Because you may have Garney that`s a good basic artist, but when it comes to choose every month which book you get and wich one you drop it`s easier to drop a book that doesn`t have the full package, especially when the artist doesn`t excite you in any ways, shape or form.

[DWEarhart]

Get Straczynski off the book, then we'll talk. He started off strong, but shortly after, I couldn't stand him anymore. The artist never mattered to me, really.

Maybe if Michael Lark, or someone of that style were to take over, I might go back, but I don't think it would fit Straczynski's style of storytelling for that particular book.

As long as the artist is consistent and is of a higher caliber, considering it's a higher profile book, then, it doesn't matter who it is, I believe.

[Frank]

Maybe if Michael Lark, or someone of that style were to take over, I might go back, but I don't think it would fit Straczynski's style of storytelling for that particular book.

I actually think Lark`s style would fit right in with JMS because Joe`s writing is pretty cerebral and talky. But it would have to be some of Marvel Knights mature-type book.

[Sparda]

I don't understand why some of you people are complaining about Amazing series having a top artist. Look when John Romita Sr started the series he was a nobody but then made spidey a hit. Todd Mcfarlane wasn't well known until he did amazing series and guess what he became a star. Mark Bagley wasnt much but guess what? He too became a fan favorite for people.

The new artist's your seeing now on Amazing series would either be a fan favorite in the future or not. You gotta give the new bloods a chance. It's how all great atists started out.

[Mister Mets]

Um, are there actually more than three or four "superstar" artists still working today?

Frank Quitely
John Romita Jr
Steve Dillon
David Finch
Steve McNiven
Jim Lee
The Kubert brothers
Alex Ross
John Cassady

Yep.
(Although not all would be great for Spider-Man.)


I don't understand why some of you people are complaining about Amazing series having a top artist. Look when John Romita Sr started the series he was a nobody but then made spidey a hit. Todd Mcfarlane wasn't well known until he did amazing series and guess what he became a star. Mark Bagley wasnt much but guess what? He too became a fan favorite for people.

The new artist's your seeing now on Amazing series would either be a fan favorite in the future or not. You gotta give the new bloods a chance. It's how all great atists started out.

I don't see Garney gaining the reputation of Ditko, Romita Sr, Andru, Mcfarlane, or Romita Jr, and that is a problem. He's an improvement over the Top Cow guy who did the two issue Titanium Man arc.

[Chinchalinchin]

Frank Quitely
John Romita Jr
Steve Dillon
David Finch
Steve McNiven
Jim Lee
The Kubert brothers
Alex Ross
John Cassady


Touche.

Although I don't know if I'd consider Steve Dillion or Steve McNiven "superstars".

[Beyond The Beyonder]

Man, when he drew Waid's Captain America, Garney's name was always top-tier. He might not still have that superstar popularity he once had, but he's still doing a bang-up job with ASM. He's got the talent. No need for the hype.

[Steffen]

I couldn't care less about Spidey having a "superstar" artist on the title; I'd settle for a good one. I don't like Garney's work and I dislike JrJr's art. Hated to see Deodato go, but at least I can enjoy his work on the current Avengers title. I would like to see John Cassaday do some work on Amazing, but I'd be more than happy for some newbie who is just plain talented.

[Kevinroc]

Man, when he drew Waid's Captain America, Garney's name was always top-tier. He might not still have that superstar popularity he once had, but he's still doing a bang-up job with ASM. He's got the talent. No need for the hype.

QFT.

Garney's doing a very nice job on Spidey.

[Doom Hammer]

Touche.

Although I don't know if I'd consider Steve Dillion or Steve McNiven "superstars".

Dillon not so much, McNiven maybe. (He was well-liked before, Civil War is expanding his audience).

Also, Bryan Hitch, and maybe Joe Mad and Ed McGuinness. Maybe.

[Gildarco]

Why should it matter if a "superstar" is drawing Spidey? I think it's much better to have a technically strong artist that meets his deadlines on a flagship book than some big name guy that can only put out 6 issues a year.

*agrees*

I like having monthly Spider-man comics. And with the exception of Medina, I think Spider-man's monthly art teams are pretty good anyway.

[SincereAgape]

J. Scott Cambell is taking over soon.

[saucemaster]

i can't understand the comments on here that say 'i don't care who they artist is' in ASM. if you don't care about the artists, then why are you reading comic books? the artists make the medium what it is.

that said, bring back john romita, jr.

[alextron]

Well, J. Scott Campbell will be working on the book. However, he will be late as he can't even finish his own book on time.

Superstar artists are fewer than they were a decade ago and have a reputation of being unreliable. Back when Silverstri, (Jim) Lee, and Mcfarlane worked at Marvel before Image they always got their work out on time. Almost anyway. McFarlane even did more than one comic a month sometimes (the twice-monthly issues, DCs Invasion).

So, I wouldn't expect much. maybe if they had one it would of risen sales up enough to avoid these ridiculous gimmicks.

[Venom]

Well, J. Scott Campbell will be working on the book. However, he will be late as he can't even finish his own book on time.

That's why Marvel is giving him a year ahead to do it all so that a single issue won't come out late.

[alextron]

That's why Marvel is giving him a year ahead to do it all so that a single issue won't come out late.


Yeah, only a SINGLE issue will come out on time! :)

[Venom]

Yeah, only a SINGLE issue will come out on time! :)

Well I just made myself look like a complete plonker. :)

[Mister Mets]

You happy with the upcoming guys?

[Rahul]

I'm extremel happy with McNiven, Larocca and Jiminez. Bachalo, not so much...

[neored1]

Steve McNiven has me satisfied after his work in Civil War. Isn't he considered superstar after that?

I was also very happy with Ron Garney. He didn't have to go off the title.

[Mister Mets]

Steve McNiven has me satisfied after his work in Civil War. Isn't he considered superstar after that?

I was also very happy with Ron Garney. He didn't have to go off the title.
You could make legitimate arguments for all four artists being superstars.
McNiven's the most obvious given the acclaim for his work in Civil War, and the demand for the artist before that (check out sales of his Sentry arc of New Avengers.)
Phil Jiminez had done excellent work on DC's biggest event in years (in addition to minor projects like the death of Jean Grey in Morrison's New X-Men.)
Chris Bachalo (who is only doing three issues) has done some A-list work in the past, especially the first Death mini series, which may rank above anything the other artists were involved with. He has worked with Morrison, Millar, Gaiman, Loeb and more. Writers seem to love working with.
Salvador Larroca has always been a well-regarded Marvel artist, and has worked on a few A-list assignments with exceptional writers (Claremont, Ellis, Waid, Rucka, Carey.) His last two Spider-Man projects were highly received.

[xarathos]

JMS is a super star writer? Oy.

[Mister Mets]

JMS is a super star writer? Oy.
1. Babylon 5 makes best TV show lists.
2. He's working on a movie with Angelina Jolie, and director Clint Eastwood.
3. Amazing Spider-Man is in the Top Ten during his sixth year on the series.
4. Thor debuted at #1.

Yea, he's a "superstar" writer.

[DFY]

What about Rick Leonardi? He drew a kick ass Spidey in the 90s.
Anyone know what he's working on recently?

[jamiejame911]

Being the artist on Civil War would indicate Mcniven is in the top 5-10. Civil War was the #1 comic on the racks which would possibly make him one of if not 'the' top artist. He is a badman, to say the least.

I used to be a HUGE Spiderman and X-men fan in the late 80's and early 90's, but neither title has the artists that those titles had in those days (Silvestri/Lee/Mcfarlane), which is why I am reading other comics like Avengers. Campbell will be a treat when his run gets started. He was born to draw a character like Spiderman. I just hope they have an appropriate colorists to accent his style. I wonder if he will be doing his own inks? I love his linework!