Stuart Sayger
07-19-2007, 04:46 AM
This Thursday, July 19th, will mark the 2nd anniversary of Jim Aparo's death... Two years later I still can't believe that he's gone. From his early work at Charlton comics, to his 30 plus years at DC comics, Aparo gave us a dynamic visual style filled with depth and mood that made for smart clear story telling. Aparo was an artist who could do it all, and often did as he would usually pencil, ink, and letter a page leaving the colors as the only visual chore for another hand!
Aparo is truly one of the greatest artists of the bronze age of comics and would surely be THE Batman artist of a generation if not for Neal Adams. Adams however has a few unfair advantages over Aparo when it comes to impressing the comic historian. Adams was teamed with hot-shot writer Denny O'neil to Co-created one of Batman's greatest foe's Ras Al Ghul. Adams also produced his art for the titles Batman and Detective comics, whereas Aparo's work on Batman was primarily seen in Brave and the Bold, edited by Murry Boltnoff with continuity that didn't tie in to the other major Batman titles.
So what did Aparo do that makes him so great..? He only drew a stunning 13 year stretch of Brave and the Bold helping to define Batman's character, look, and style for all of the Bronze age. His use of shadows were as strong and confident as anyone in comics. And with out a doubt his is the definitive version of Commissioner Gordon. Aparo is the man that made Gordon interesting. After Brave and the Bold Aparo went on to co-create Batman and the Outsiders. And later would draw such key events as the death of Jason Todd and the breaking of Batman's back by Bane in the 1990's.
During his tenure at DC Aparo also had long important runs on many DC favorites including Aquaman, Deadman, and his unforgettable work on the Spectre.
Below are a few page from comics that I scanned from my collection. I didn't offer the widest variety of Aparo's work for you to look at, I'm sure that the internet can supply that just fine, rather I've supplied some pages that show off what I like most about Aparo... His framing of a panel and his use of silhouettes. ENJOY!
This first page is Adventure Comics #436 page 6 ( 1974)
Wow what a shot in panel 2.. I love the way that Aparo uses his silhouettes to frame a panel... The man is a master at creating focus and depth in a panel!
http://users.mw.net/~karza/forum/aparo1.jpg
<br>
Next is Brave and the Bold #108 page 2 (1973)
Great face on Batman to go with the great action, great sound effects, and again... GREAT FRAMING!
http://users.mw.net/~karza/forum/aparo.2.jpg
<br>
Did I say "GREAT FRAMING"... This page is filled with it! Aparo grabs the reader and commands the flow of his eyes. Boy do I love that circus in the background of panel 1... That Ferris wheel and the gridwork of the billboard gives this scene such depth! This page from Adventure comics #440 (1975)
http://users.mw.net/~karza/forum/aparo4.jpg
<br>
I really like this top panel. It really breaths... The flat trees in the background and the three diagonal streaks in the sky really create and expansive feeling. And lets not over look the mandatory "cockeyed" panel #2 that all Aparo comics must have! This page from Adventure Comics #439 ( 1975)
http://users.mw.net/~karza/forum/aparo3.jpg
<br>
Thanks for the great work Jim! You've given me so much enjoyment over the years and taught me so much about drawing. You are truly missed!
By the way... I encourage any and all to post their thoughts about Aparo. I'd love to read 'em all!
Aparo is truly one of the greatest artists of the bronze age of comics and would surely be THE Batman artist of a generation if not for Neal Adams. Adams however has a few unfair advantages over Aparo when it comes to impressing the comic historian. Adams was teamed with hot-shot writer Denny O'neil to Co-created one of Batman's greatest foe's Ras Al Ghul. Adams also produced his art for the titles Batman and Detective comics, whereas Aparo's work on Batman was primarily seen in Brave and the Bold, edited by Murry Boltnoff with continuity that didn't tie in to the other major Batman titles.
So what did Aparo do that makes him so great..? He only drew a stunning 13 year stretch of Brave and the Bold helping to define Batman's character, look, and style for all of the Bronze age. His use of shadows were as strong and confident as anyone in comics. And with out a doubt his is the definitive version of Commissioner Gordon. Aparo is the man that made Gordon interesting. After Brave and the Bold Aparo went on to co-create Batman and the Outsiders. And later would draw such key events as the death of Jason Todd and the breaking of Batman's back by Bane in the 1990's.
During his tenure at DC Aparo also had long important runs on many DC favorites including Aquaman, Deadman, and his unforgettable work on the Spectre.
Below are a few page from comics that I scanned from my collection. I didn't offer the widest variety of Aparo's work for you to look at, I'm sure that the internet can supply that just fine, rather I've supplied some pages that show off what I like most about Aparo... His framing of a panel and his use of silhouettes. ENJOY!
This first page is Adventure Comics #436 page 6 ( 1974)
Wow what a shot in panel 2.. I love the way that Aparo uses his silhouettes to frame a panel... The man is a master at creating focus and depth in a panel!
http://users.mw.net/~karza/forum/aparo1.jpg
<br>
Next is Brave and the Bold #108 page 2 (1973)
Great face on Batman to go with the great action, great sound effects, and again... GREAT FRAMING!
http://users.mw.net/~karza/forum/aparo.2.jpg
<br>
Did I say "GREAT FRAMING"... This page is filled with it! Aparo grabs the reader and commands the flow of his eyes. Boy do I love that circus in the background of panel 1... That Ferris wheel and the gridwork of the billboard gives this scene such depth! This page from Adventure comics #440 (1975)
http://users.mw.net/~karza/forum/aparo4.jpg
<br>
I really like this top panel. It really breaths... The flat trees in the background and the three diagonal streaks in the sky really create and expansive feeling. And lets not over look the mandatory "cockeyed" panel #2 that all Aparo comics must have! This page from Adventure Comics #439 ( 1975)
http://users.mw.net/~karza/forum/aparo3.jpg
<br>
Thanks for the great work Jim! You've given me so much enjoyment over the years and taught me so much about drawing. You are truly missed!
By the way... I encourage any and all to post their thoughts about Aparo. I'd love to read 'em all!