Todd McFarlane's amazing run on the Spider-Man comics.

[Bullseye]

No doubt that McFarlane's work on Amazing Spider-Man was great and his series simply titled Spider-Man was a good read. At that time sales were very good for both Amazing with Erik Larsen as the artist and McFarlane working on his Spidey series.

McFarlane's changes for Spidey during his run on Amazing:

Introduced Venom into Spidey's world. Venom is considered one of Spidey's greatest villains along with The Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus.
Revolutionized Spider-Man's webing. Before McFarlane's new vision of Spider-Man's webing; Spidey's web's just look like nets when using his Web-shooters.
Changes to Spider-Man's costume included large eyes and making the character more of a Spider.
A return of the classic red and blue costume in the issue Venom first appeared.I really enjoyed McFarlane's vision of Spider-Man and made Spider-Man a favorite superhero of mine again.

[Rez]

As did I. Overall, he is my favourite Spiderman artist, and Torment is one of my top favourite stories.

[ragingdemon155]

Torment was one of the worse written Spider-man stories I've ever read. The art was fantastic though and EXTREMELY detailed. Todd is one of the greatest artists of all time but as a writer....he left much to be desired.

[Popo 85]

I didn't like how he drew MJ, but I liked some of the other pictures I've seen of his. I've never read a story he's worked on though (and I call myself a Spidey fan :) ) but my friend has the TPB of Venom's first appearance. I'll ask him if I can read it.

[WOLVERINE25TH]

His Spidey looked good, but overall those books made little sense.

[Symbiotica]

I dunno, a few years back I posted a poll asking whether or not people here liked McFarlane and would welcome his return to Marvel [hypothetical question only, I know that is not going to happen], and I remember being shocked at about 75% of respondants responding with total vitriol about both him personally and his artwork.

I will agree that McFarlane is capable of brilliant concepts, but he seems quite unpopular with the rank and file.

[Dangerous]

My second fave pencils

[shinlyle]

I loved Todd's run on ASM....a very great run. He did some great things....and I will always cherish every issue of that run that I own.

His run on "Spider-Man", however, was one of the worst written Spidey runs of that era. His artwork sold the book.

I loved his art, but any man who walks away from comics to form an empire and then doesn't bother drawing any of his creations (or anything else, for that matter) when it was his art that got him there.....I have no use for him now.

For what it's worth, I'd rather have Erik Larsen back on Spidey any day.

[OtepApe]

I liked McFarlane's run, the guy was an extraordinary talent at penciling and he did wonders for Spidey when he was drawing him. As a writer, he wasn't as prolific at that then he was at penciling, and I really feel he should have just stuck to that. It's a damn shame what happens to some of the greats of this industry and McFarlane is just another casualty of his ego.

[shinlyle]

I liked McFarlane's run, the guy was an extraordinary talent at penciling and he did wonders for Spidey when he was drawing him. As a writer, he wasn't as prolific at that then he was at penciling, and I really feel he should have just stuck to that. It's a damn shame what happens to some of the greats of this industry and McFarlane is just another casualty of his ego.

Yup...McFarlane's ego almost trumps JMS's....of course, even McFarlane's ego wasn't big enough to make him try and rewrite Spider-Man's origin....so JMS's ego is still bigger.

[OtepApe]

Yup...McFarlane's ego almost trumps JMS's....of course, even McFarlane's ego wasn't big enough to make him try and rewrite Spider-Man's origin....so JMS's ego is still bigger.

Well yeah, you have a point there. The key thing for me is I still have respect for McFarlane cause he did change things but generally for the better regarding the way people started to draw Spidey, he influenced a lot of guys. JMS is changing Spidey because he probably doesn't have other stories or ideas he can do with this version of Spidey. Changing Spidey to how he see fits, it makes it easier for him to write Spidey, and that I don't have respect for.

[POWdER-man]

Todd's artwork was always my favorite. You might not like his personality or the person himself but you can't deny that he changed Spider-Man's appearance for the better.

[shinlyle]

Don't get me wrong, I love his artwork. He's probably my favorite Spidey artist ever...tied with Erik Larsen. Still...can't bring myself to like the guy.

[deathshead2]

I dont like his art really his spawn comic makes me want to dig out my eyes, its so bad.

[MACH]

I dont like his art really his spawn comic makes me want to dig out my eyes, its so bad.



I really don’t understand how you can say that. His art is fantastic! Even on the most boring character ever created, Spawn!

His art on Spider-Man was truly magnificent!

And to the person that said they don’t like Todd because he "doesn’t draw his own characters anymore" I have to say that’s the most pathetic comment ever. He left Marvel to have creative freedom, not because he wanted to write and draw his own character. He wanted freedom to do whatever he wanted. He didn’t like editors breathing down his neck and telling him what he can and can’t do. That seems fair enough to me.

[shinlyle]

I dont like his art really his spawn comic makes me want to dig out my eyes, its so bad.


If your eyes can't tell good artwork any better than that, then you may want to tear your eyes out. They've betrayed you.:(

[The Lizard]

I'll now repost my opinion on McFarlane:

Regarding McFarlane, my opinion is as follows:
His art style, while ranging from cartoonish, distorted and rough to hyper-detailed and dynamic, was indeed revolutionary in the comics world. I personally was just put off by how uneven the art often was, with a great action panel often following a distorted, apparently lazily-done character panel. Todd definitely took risks with Spidey in particular that opened up a whole new style of drawing the web-slinger. His desire to draw and write stories the way he wanted to changed the comics industry as well (some for good, some for bad), and you gotta admit, the man is responsible for some pretty cool action figures!

That being said, I personally have NEVER liked his writing style. "Torment" shows some of the worst of that -- the awkward reocccuring use of the phrase "Rise above it all", the unneccessary self-indulgent narration, and the now familiar McFarlane cliche' where the hero "snaps" and begins screaming and ranting melodramatically at his enemies.

IMO McFarlane deserves about 50% of the praise he's received - the rest is mostly hype.

[Themanofbat]

McFarlane's changes for Spidey during his run on Amazing:

Introduced Venom into Spidey's world. Venom is considered one of Spidey's greatest villains along with The Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus.
Revolutionized Spider-Man's webing. Before McFarlane's new vision of Spider-Man's webing; Spidey's web's just look like nets when using his Web-shooters.
Changes to Spider-Man's costume included large eyes and making the character more of a Spider.
A return of the classic red and blue costume in the issue Venom first appeared.

1) David Micheline created Venom. MacFarlane had nothing to do with him other than being the artist in charge of drawing ASM at the time of his first (visual) appearances. I say visual because Eddie Brock/Venom first appeared in Web of #18 with a second appearance in Web of #24 (the former written by Micheline, the latter plotted by Micheline). Perhaps Todd's art may have helped popularize Venom, it was still Micheline's ideas and concepts of Venom that helped make him so popular... to the point of over-appearances and sugar-coating the character.

2) I actually hated what Todd did with Spidey's webbing. The overdetailing of the webbing as well as the over dramatic Spidey poses took away from the background art, which still needs to be solid in order to properly tell a story. When I look at some of the artwork after ASM #300 (when Todd's popular art really took off), a lot of panels have just solid colors in the background with a few minimal lines. While his art may be at times "fantastic", it still can't hold a candle to Ross Andru for "good" storytelling.

3) While Todd's art definitely did make Spider-Man look more "spidery", I would have preferred an emphasis to solid storytelling art to make the stories flow and read better. If I wanted to buy a poster book, I'd buy a poster book. But I buy comics for good art AS WELL as good storytelling.

4) Again, as with point number 1, Todd had nothing to do with the return of the red & blue costume. These were all the ideas of either David Micheline and/or Jim Salicrup (the editor of the Spidey books at the time). All MacFarlane did was draw the book.

[wes1406]

:down :down

he can't draw feet.

[shinlyle]

:down :down

he can't draw feet.

Neither could Micheal Turner, until a few years ago.... :D

[Captivated]

Changes to Spider-Man's costume included large eyes and making the character more of a Spider. Blah! Hated this move. And for the most part I didn't care for all that much for his art.

[Bullseye]

Okay. So McFarlane wasn't soley responsible for creating Venom, but Venom gained a huge fan-base when introduced into the Amazing title.

[deathshead2]

I liked venom when he was in the cartoon thats how I think he got a much larger fan-base.

[deathshead2]

If your eyes can't tell good artwork any better than that, then you may want to tear your eyes out. They've betrayed you.:(I know good art Mike Mignola to me has the best artwork in comics. Mignola>McFarlane

[Popo 85]

It's all opinion. Ramos' first stuff on Spidey was my favorite. I love how he drew Green Goblin and MJ. I'm not much a fan of Deodato. His hero poses are cool, and the rest is all solid. I just don't care. McFarlane's always been back and forth to me. Generally, thinking about it, I like it. If I saw a picture he drew, I'd say I didn't like it. Don't ask. I don't know.

But my point is, none of these artists are "better than another" and no one should rip their eyes out because they decieve them.

You know who I want back? Luke Ross. What happened to him?

[deathshead2]

Isn't he drawing jonan Hex?

[VICTORVONDOOMX]

Mcfarlane...meh

The guy who created the "good guy" Wendigo?

The guy whose art was a so-so version of Pat Broderic?

Meh...

[KingOfDreams]

I've nver read any of his ASM issues but I do have a two-issue arc of his Spider-Man series that stars Morbius that's really awesome.

[Rez]

Hey, it's all different of opinion. Torment's cryptic and repetitive writing style is what I loved about it... it shares a lot in common with some of my favourite authors. With the exception of Torment, I do find his ASM run better than his own title's run.
And yes, I still love his art.
As for the man himself, I've never met him, so I don't plan to make judgements. If I saw him in real life, went up to him to praise him and shake his hand, and got a gruff look and a puff in my face, then yeah, maybe I'd not like the man so much. But until we meet face to face, I don't care what his reputation as a person is. His work in the entertainment industry has my support.

[Tokyo Vigilante #1]

Isn't he drawing jonan Hex?

Luke Ross? Yeah he is and doing an AMAZING job.

Great comic to check out. Especially issue 3.

[Tokyo Vigilante #1]

For what it's worth, I'd rather have Erik Larsen back on Spidey any day.

As long as he would draw Peter without making him look so young he looks like Mary Jane's kid, I'd like to see it. I'm a big fan.

[Kittie Rose]

Torment was pretty hard to bear. It was a good story in concept, it just reminded me of a page of The Sandman drawn out for 5 issues.

He drew the best Spidey though, by far.

[deathshead2]

Luke Ross? Yeah he is and doing an AMAZING job.

Great comic to check out. Especially issue 3.Yeah 3 was great so far I have liked the past 4 issues better than most comics going on right now.

[GreenMamba]

Todd MacFarlane's just about the most untalented hack in the comic industry.

[Popo 85]

"Todd MacFarlane's just about the most untalented hack in the comic industry."

Ouch. Maybe a better phase would be, "most overrated." I'm sure there are many other artists out there that do terrible artwork, we just don't know about it. Or at least, don't talk about it.

[GreenMamba]

Most definitely--I just have a vehement dislike for MacFaralane.

[Duneboy]

I think Erik Larsen, John Romita sr., & John Buscema drew Spidey pretty damn good too. Todd Mcfarlane is an excellent artist; what the heck are you guys talking about?? You mean because he's pursuing other avenues in stead of comics?

[deathshead2]

No becuase his art is crap. Spawn sounds cool and I wanted to buy the trade but then I saw the art and didnt buy it.

[shinlyle]

I think Erik Larsen, John Romita sr., & John Buscema drew Spidey pretty damn good too. Todd Mcfarlane is an excellent artist; what the heck are you guys talking about?? You mean because he's pursuing other avenues in stead of comics?

I'm really trying hard not to laugh at those saying McFarlane is "an untalented hack" and that he does "crappy art". You're entitled to your opinion, but this is kind of like listening to someone say that they thought that they always thought the New Kids on the Block sucked. Yeah...they may hav sucked, but someone bought all their damn albums...

You may think Todd sucked, but someone had to make Spider-Man #1 the second best-selling comic ever....

Anyways, the reason I'm hating on Todd McFarlane is because he's an artist...and he doesn't draw anything for the fans anymore. It's like being able to sing better than anyone else, and only singing in the shower...when you're alone.

God gives you a gift, then you need to use it. I'd give my left nut and my right ear to be able to just "walk-on" to any comic I wanted, and this clown CAN do that, and he deosn't draw a damn thing. Hell, he doesn't even draw OR write "Spawn" anymore, and that's a character he used to swear up and down that he would never leave. He and Dave Sim even did an issue about it! (issue #10 of Spawn, for htose who don't know)

Maybe it's that I'm envious, or maybe I'm just being as ass, but if you have the buckets if talent that this man has, you should be doing something with it aside from sitting on your keister running a toy/production empire.

Yeah, I love the man's artwork...hell, I'd love to have a piece of his Spidey art....but I have little or no respect for him nowadays.

[wolvie2020]

I'm really trying hard not to laugh at those saying McFarlane is "an untalented hack" and that he does "crappy art". You're entitled to your opinion, but this is kind of like listening to someone say that they thought that they always thought the New Kids on the Block sucked. Yeah...they may hav sucked, but someone bought all their damn albums...

You may think Todd sucked, but someone had to make Spider-Man #1 the second best-selling comic ever....

Anyways, the reason I'm hating on Todd McFarlane is because he's an artist...and he doesn't draw anything for the fans anymore. It's like being able to sing better than anyone else, and only singing in the shower...when you're alone.

God gives you a gift, then you need to use it. I'd give my left nut and my right ear to be able to just "walk-on" to any comic I wanted, and this clown CAN do that, and he deosn't draw a damn thing. Hell, he doesn't even draw OR write "Spawn" anymore, and that's a character he used to swear up and down that he would never leave. He and Dave Sim even did an issue about it! (issue #10 of Spawn, for htose who don't know)

Maybe it's that I'm envious, or maybe I'm just being as ass, but if you have the buckets if talent that this man has, you should be doing something with it aside from sitting on your keister running a toy/production empire.

Yeah, I love the man's artwork...hell, I'd love to have a piece of his Spidey art....but I have little or no respect for him nowadays.

Took the words right out of my mouth

[shinlyle]

Took the words right out of my mouth

That's what I'm here got, amigo! :D

It's true. It happens with everything. It's like listening to the "John Byrne sucks" crowd. He sucks now, no doubt, but the man is a legend. The X-Men and the Fantastic Four wouldn't be where they are today without him. Same goes with Spider-man and Todd McFarlane. Withotu Todd, we'd probably be seeing the exact same Romita Sr-esque Spidey that we had for the ten or 20 years before McFarlane came along. Nothing wrong with Romita, as he was a legend, but we already had Romita....and Romita Jr.....things move on, and every artist shoudl put his/her own stamp on what he or she does.

Hell, I son't like Ramos, but at least I can pick his Spidey out of a line-up! Same with McFarlane's. And Larsen's. Pretty much everyone since McFarlane has their own unique Spidey. Not that everyone before was a clone of Romita, but the signature wasn't as evident as it is now.

[Lt. Figgnuts]

I'm really trying hard not to laugh at those saying McFarlane is "an untalented hack" and that he does "crappy art". You're entitled to your opinion, but this is kind of like listening to someone say that they thought that they always thought the New Kids on the Block sucked. Yeah...they may hav sucked, but someone bought all their damn albums...

You may think Todd sucked, but someone had to make Spider-Man #1 the second best-selling comic ever....

Anyways, the reason I'm hating on Todd McFarlane is because he's an artist...and he doesn't draw anything for the fans anymore. It's like being able to sing better than anyone else, and only singing in the shower...when you're alone.

God gives you a gift, then you need to use it. I'd give my left nut and my right ear to be able to just "walk-on" to any comic I wanted, and this clown CAN do that, and he deosn't draw a damn thing. Hell, he doesn't even draw OR write "Spawn" anymore, and that's a character he used to swear up and down that he would never leave. He and Dave Sim even did an issue about it! (issue #10 of Spawn, for htose who don't know)

Maybe it's that I'm envious, or maybe I'm just being as ass, but if you have the buckets if talent that this man has, you should be doing something with it aside from sitting on your keister running a toy/production empire.

Yeah, I love the man's artwork...hell, I'd love to have a piece of his Spidey art....but I have little or no respect for him nowadays.

Can't say much else except that I pretty much agree 110%.

[wolvie2020]

1) David Micheline created Venom. MacFarlane had nothing to do with him other than being the artist in charge of drawing ASM at the time of his first (visual) appearances. I say visual because Eddie Brock/Venom first appeared in Web of #18 with a second appearance in Web of #24 (the former written by Micheline, the latter plotted by Micheline). Perhaps Todd's art may have helped popularize Venom, it was still Micheline's ideas and concepts of Venom that helped make him so popular... to the point of over-appearances and sugar-coating the character.

2) I actually hated what Todd did with Spidey's webbing. The overdetailing of the webbing as well as the over dramatic Spidey poses took away from the background art, which still needs to be solid in order to properly tell a story. When I look at some of the artwork after ASM #300 (when Todd's popular art really took off), a lot of panels have just solid colors in the background with a few minimal lines. While his art may be at times "fantastic", it still can't hold a candle to Ross Andru for "good" storytelling.

3) While Todd's art definitely did make Spider-Man look more "spidery", I would have preferred an emphasis to solid storytelling art to make the stories flow and read better. If I wanted to buy a poster book, I'd buy a poster book. But I buy comics for good art AS WELL as good storytelling.

4) Again, as with point number 1, Todd had nothing to do with the return of the red & blue costume. These were all the ideas of either David Micheline and/or Jim Salicrup (the editor of the Spidey books at the time). All MacFarlane did was draw the book.

Actually, you got a couple of details kinda wrong there.

Todd was VERY instrumental in the charachter of Venom. One of the many (arrogant,) aspects of Todd was that he liked things to go in his direction. Why do you think he got his own book? He was gonna leave Spidey, but Todd was too much of a money maker for them to let go of him from Spidey. Venom is a weird gruesome charachter VERY much in the vein of all of Todd's creator owned charachters. Micheline dealt with many various charachters, (personally I'm a bigger fan of Micheline on Spidey.) Todd has always been OBSESSED with charachters like this, and this was his 1st chance to be involved in the CREATION of a charachter, and the charachter went VERY much in Todd's style.

Don't get me wrong, I think Micheline is cool, and he was VERY much crucial for Venom being who he is, but if ANYONE else was involved apart from Todd, Venom would NOT be the charachter he became.

Also, Todd, (I can't believe he was this arrogant,) he said he wouldn't do Spidey unless he was in his Red & Blue Togs. Luckily, Salicrup had thought about it a little before, and was into the idea. Micheline then felt he could work it into the plot, and it would be a cool turn of events for issue 300.

I know Todd's an arse, but I'm once again gonna have to agree with Shin here. People may ***** about him, but he STILL has MANY fans, and his Spider-Man is still the 2nd best selling comic of all time. This was at the time EVERYONE in the mainstream public was into Batman, (because of the films.) And all the cool, nearly pre Gen-Xers were into Batman. Watchmen, Sandman, and anything from Frank Miller were the cool intellectual cutting edge stuff to buy at the time. Yet, Todd's Spider-Man STILL beat them ALL. There was no hype/trendy reason for this to happen, and to this day, his Spider-Man trades STILL SELL.

While Shin's New Kids metaphor is still funny, I don't feel it's the right comparison. McFarlanes work was NEVER manufactured, and he still had his own style and integrity. I would use the example of Axl Rose from Guns 'n' Roses. People still revere his work, he changed popular mainstream rock music, but he turned into a bizaare self obssesed knob that's been talking about changing the world with a new album going on 10 years now.

P.S. I was actually pissed when he changed Spidey back to his Red & Blue togs, 'cause I loved the black costume. And you KNOW that Todd wanted it to happen NOT for creative reasons, but he wanted to be attached to coming onto Spider-Man for the time such a drastic move would be made, as he knew the average Joe was familiar with the Red and Blue Suit. Todd's style even suits the black costume! Dark and edgy! He even made him wear the black costume for one of his stories! While I loved those issues when they came out, I immediately thought he realised his mistake! And wanted to draw him in that suit at least ONE more time b4 he left. Spawns bloody mask even LOOKS like Spidey's black mask!

[The Lizard]

A better metaphor would be that McFarlane is sort of the Quentin Tarantino of comics. Lots of style, lots of attitude, but sort of a one-trick pony.

[shinlyle]

Actually, you got a couple of details kinda wrong there.

Todd was VERY instrumental in the charachter of Venom. One of the many (arrogant,) aspects of Todd was that he liked things to go in his direction. Why do you think he got his own book? He was gonna leave Spidey, but Todd was too much of a money maker for them to let go of him from Spidey. Venom is a weird gruesome charachter VERY much in the vein of all of Todd's creator owned charachters. Micheline dealt with many various charachters, (personally I'm a bigger fan of Micheline on Spidey.) Todd has always been OBSESSED with charachters like this, and this was his 1st chance to be involved in the CREATION of a charachter, and the charachter went VERY much in Todd's style.

Don't get me wrong, I think Micheline is cool, and he was VERY much crucial for Venom being who he is, but if ANYONE else was involved apart from Todd, Venom would NOT be the charachter he became.

Also, Todd, (I can't believe he was this arrogant,) he said he wouldn't do Spidey unless he was in his Red & Blue Togs. Luckily, Salicrup had thought about it a little before, and was into the idea. Micheline then felt he could work it into the plot, and it would be a cool turn of events for issue 300.

I know Todd's an arse, but I'm once again gonna have to agree with Shin here. People may ***** about him, but he STILL has MANY fans, and his Spider-Man is still the 2nd best selling comic of all time. This was at the time EVERYONE in the mainstream public was into Batman, (because of the films.) And all the cool, nearly pre Gen-Xers were into Batman. Watchmen, Sandman, and anything from Frank Miller were the cool intellectual cutting edge stuff to buy at the time. Yet, Todd's Spider-Man STILL beat them ALL. There was no hype/trendy reason for this to happen, and to this day, his Spider-Man trades STILL SELL.

While Shin's New Kids metaphor is still funny, I don't feel it's the right comparison. McFarlanes work was NEVER manufactured, and he still had his own style and integrity. I would use the example of Axl Rose from Guns 'n' Roses. People still revere his work, he changed popular mainstream rock music, but he turned into a bizaare self obssesed knob that's been talking about changing the world with a new album going on 10 years now.

P.S. I was actually pissed when he changed Spidey back to his Red & Blue togs, 'cause I loved the black costume. And you KNOW that Todd wanted it to happen NOT for creative reasons, but he wanted to be attached to coming onto Spider-Man for the time such a drastic move would be made, as he knew the average Joe was familiar with the Red and Blue Suit. Todd's style even suits the black costume! Dark and edgy! He even made him wear the black costume for one of his stories! While I loved those issues when they came out, I immediately thought he realised his mistake! And wanted to draw him in that suit at least ONE more time b4 he left. Spawns bloody mask even LOOKS like Spidey's black mask!

Well put, man! On all counts..

As for the "New Kids" analogy, I just thought it would be a nice joke to lead into what was basically a long argument telling everyone that I couls smell what they were full of...;) (that was a joke, too, people)

And, yeah, McFarlane's signature is permanently attached to Venom, as well as Spider-Man. Look at Spawn. He IS Spider-man with Batman characteristics. It's so bleedin' obvious! Viloator had a very Venom-inspired look as well...

And also, I'll be the one to say it; I HATE Todd's attitude and his ego, but if he finally swallowed his pride, put away his grudge with Marvel, and drew Spider-man ONE MORE TIME, I'd buy the hell out of that issue.

If anyone here thinks a "Spider-Man/ Spawn" crossover drawn by Todd McFarlane and written by just about anybody wouldn't sell in the #1 spot, then you're delusional.

[stillanerd]

Well put, man! On all counts..

As for the "New Kids" analogy, I just thought it would be a nice joke to lead into what was basically a long argument telling everyone that I couls smell what they were full of...;) (that was a joke, too, people)

And, yeah, McFarlane's signature is permanently attached to Venom, as well as Spider-Man. Look at Spawn. He IS Spider-man with Batman characteristics. It's so bleedin' obvious! Viloator had a very Venom-inspired look as well...

And also, I'll be the one to say it; I HATE Todd's attitude and his ego, but if he finally swallowed his pride, put away his grudge with Marvel, and drew Spider-man ONE MORE TIME, I'd buy the hell out of that issue.

If anyone here thinks a "Spider-Man/ Spawn" crossover drawn by Todd McFarlane and written by just about anybody wouldn't sell in the #1 spot, then you're delusional.

A Spider-Man/Spawn crossover written and illustrated by Todd McFarlane would sell like hot cakes, no question.

Also, people seem to forget that McFarlane has probably had far more impact on Spidey's current look than people like to admit. Heck, Erik Larsen and Mark Bagley practically copied the "big eyed, spaghetti webbing, twisted body poses" Spidey almost to the letter. Granted, McFarlane's an egotistical punk, but his caliber as an artist (and who is also one of the few comic book artists that actually made money off of his creations) is unparalleled, lawsuit with Neil Gaiman notwithstanding.

BTW, one of the best images of Spider-Man he ever did: the one where he had Spidey upside-down eating donuts. That just seemed so like Spidey to me. Plus it was the same issue where he donned the black costume once again.:up:

[shinlyle]

A Spider-Man/Spawn crossover written and illustrated by Todd McFarlane would sell like hot cakes, no question.

Also, people seem to forget that McFarlane has probably had far more impact on Spidey's current look than people like to admit. Heck, Erik Larsen and Mark Bagley practically copied the "big eyed, spaghetti webbing, twisted body poses" Spidey almost to the letter. Granted, McFarlane's an egotistical punk, but his caliber as an artist (and who is also one of the few comic book artists that actually made money off of his creations) is unparalleled, lawsuit with Neil Gaiman notwithstanding.

BTW, one of the best images of Spider-Man he ever did: the one where he had Spidey upside-down eating donuts. That just seemed so like Spidey to me. Plus it was the same issue where he donned the black costume once again.:up:

Dude! That is like, my favorite Spidey pic ever!! It was from Spider-man #13, by the way, and he was talking to himself about which ones he should eat!

Those scenes like that were what I loved about McFarlane's work...those quirky scenes that made Spidey really shine...even when the rest of his story may have been sorely lacking.

[stillanerd]

Dude! That is like, my favorite Spidey pic ever!! It was from Spider-man #13, by the way, and he was talking to himself about which ones he should eat!

Those scenes like that were what I loved about McFarlane's work...those quirky scenes that made Spidey really shine...even when the rest of his story may have been sorely lacking.

That issue also contained one of the best Spidey one-liners "I've got the agility of spider and some guy is trying to beat me up with trash?" or something like it. I'm paraphrasing because, sadly, I no longer have it anymore. Years ago, my younger brother traded it for a bunch of Darkhawk issues. Not that there's anything wrong with Darkhawk, per see, but even so...:mad:

It also showed that McFarlane wasn't a jerk all the time. In the letters page (remember those) the letter writer basically blasted him all over the place saying that he couldn't draw, that he had no concept of basic anatomy, and that he knew dozens of other artists who could do better than him that weren't even in comics. McFarlane's response. "Who are these artists? Maybe I can help get them a job." :D

[shinlyle]

That issue also contained one of the best Spidey one-liners "I've got the agility of spider and some guy is trying to beat me up with trash?" or something like it. I'm paraphrasing because, sadly, I no longer have it anymore. Years ago, my younger brother traded it for a bunch of Darkhawk issues. Not that there's anything wrong with Darkhawk, per see, but even so...:mad:

It also showed that McFarlane wasn't a jerk all the time. In the letters page (remember those) the letter writer basically blasted him all over the place saying that he couldn't draw, that he had no concept of basic anatomy, and that he knew dozens of other artists who could do better than him that weren't even in comics. McFarlane's response. "Who are these artists? Maybe I can help get them a job." :D

LOL! I remember that!

I think part of what led to McFarlame beign a jerk was his fallout with Marvel. They gave him his own Spider-man book, but they still recieved all the profit, comparitively speaking. He didn't get paid for his involvement as he deemed fit. It's kind of like Professional Athletes and Pay disputes...only in comcis, you can actually go somewhere ekse or do your own thing.

Greedy damn athletes...like you could do so much less with 50 million dollars than you can do with 40 million....:mad:

[stillanerd]

LOL! I remember that!

I think part of what led to McFarlame beign a jerk was his fallout with Marvel. They gave him his own Spider-man book, but they still recieved all the profit, comparitively speaking. He didn't get paid for his involvement as he deemed fit. It's kind of like Professional Athletes and Pay disputes...only in comcis, you can actually go somewhere ekse or do your own thing.

That wouldn't surprise me. After all, he was getting a lot of name recognition back then, and fame has tendency to change people often for the worse, though not always.

Greedy damn athletes...like you could do so much less with 50 million dollars than you can do with 40 million....:mad:

No kidding. It's that kind of attidute that's ruining professional sports these days, especailly baseball and basketball.

[shinlyle]

That wouldn't surprise me. After all, he was getting a lot of name recognition back then, and fame has tendency to change people often for the worse, though not always.



No kidding. It's that kind of attidute that's ruining professional sports these days, especailly baseball and basketball.

See. I can understand wanting to get a little more bank if your name is the one selling the book...which wa part of it. Sure, it was Spider-man, but it wa Spider-Man plus Todd McFarlane! It could have been a story about Spider-man swinging around Manhattan, and, not only would it have sold, it would still be better than what we get from the 616 today. Also, Most of McFarlane's stories featured at least 6 splash pages of Spidey swinging around Manhattan....

[Alpha Omega Red]

I know good art Mike Mignola to me has the best artwork in comics. Mignola>McFarlane


GAK!! How can you even say that? Mignola is one of the worst comic artists I've ever seen. I can't stand his drawing style. Mcfarlane blows Mignola out of the water.

[shinlyle]

GAK!! How can you even say that? Mignola is one of the worst comic artists I've ever seen. I can't stand his drawing style. Mcfarlane blows Mignola out of the water.

Mignola is nowhere near the caliber of artist as McFarlane, that's for sure.

Still, I think the worst comic penciller out there is Klaus Jansen. He's one of the coolest inkers on the planet, but his pencils make me want to heave every time I see them. I avoid buying anything he draws, simply because I've seen eighth graders with a better falir and style to their work. His pencls make me puke...but his inks make me cheer. It's a double-edges sword, I suppose.

You want to see examples of his crappy pencils, read "Batman/Spawn", and "Batman: Death and the Maidens".

No disrespect meant to Mr. Jansen.....I just cannot buy something he draws.

[deathshead2]

You guys like todd but not Mike. You guys must not know good art when it hits you but whatever.

[shinlyle]

You guys like todd but not Mike. You guys must not know good art when it hits you but whatever.

I like MIke just fine...but he's nowhere near the caliber of artist that McFarlane was. Hellboy owns....but it's a book suited to Mignola's style....probbaly because he wrote it. Still, his style is a love it or hate it style, seeing as how it's not the most detailed, but it gets the message across. He has a very dark style, which works about 80% of the time...

Todd's style is just far more detailed and more appealing to my eyes.

[Dangerous]

No offence to Jansen but his Pencils make me wanna puke, heheh good one Shin.

[shinlyle]

No offence to Jansen but his Pencils make me wanna puke, heheh good one Shin.

I seriously respect the guy....I mean, he's been in the industry for like, thirty years. Still....a bad drawing is a bad drawing. Yeah, I know art's subjective, but DAMN!!

[Dangerous]

I remember when he did stuff on Superman in the early 90s the Doomsday arc more specifically, and maybe he was only inking but I thought it looked really good.

[shinlyle]

I remember when he did stuff on Superman in the early 90s the Doomsday arc more specifically, and maybe he was only inking but I thought it looked really good.

He was only inking, I assure you. I want to say he was inking for Action Comics, but I'm not sure.

[Ultra-Spidey]

TODD DREW THE BEST SPIDEY EVER.....nuff said.

[Ultra-Spidey]

Actually I take that back, I do have something that I must ask and alot to say.

So what most of you are basically trying to say is that y'all hate on Todd because he left drawing comics to helm his own toy company and other business ventures that hmmmm........you know generates him more money than he can ever dream of getting drawing comic books???????

Todd is one of my all-time favorite artist and I hated to see him leave the Spidey books then eventually even his own creation, Spawn, but if the man has a bigger plan in "his" life so be it. As talented as he was as an artist, drawing wasn't even his "true" passion. Some people are more talented at things than others but it doesn't neccessarily make them embrace their talent and automatically make them love what they were blessed with.

It's downright selfish thinking to hate a person because they are doing what they wanna do and not what YOU want them to do.

Just to throw out a lil' situation I wanna talk about the retired NFL running back Barry Sanders, easily one of the best (and exicting) all-time running backs ever. The man was in his prime and only one season away from breaking the ALL-TIME record for rushing yards, then guess what, he calls it quits and retires. As talented as he was and just as exicting to watch, many were sad, even dumbfounded that he would walk away from football even at the eve of breaking a major record. Was he ridiculed, NO, was his passion for the game in question, yeah. The bottom line is this, as talented as he was (and MANY people could only dream of having even half his talent) and whether or not he had a "true" passion for the game, if the man doesn't want to play football no more, so be it. Just respect the man's decision, he's doing what HE wants to do.

Todd is doing what Todd wants to do, just respect that. As much as I loved his art and would love to see him pencil again the man is doing bigger and better things for himself, how could I hate on that. AND HE IS MY FAVORITE SPIDEY ARTIST!!!!!!

Jim Lee, another of my all-time favorite artist, has built himself a nice lil' empire in the comic book industry but continues to draw even though he is in the position where he really doesn't have to. But the man said it himself, he loves to draw. He can make the same amount of money, if not more, if he didn't draw comics but continues because thats what he likes doing.

Todd thought outside the box and had bigger things in store. He didn't like how Marvel had him confined in a "system" and wanted to have more control of what he was doing. Alot of people confuse confidence for arrogance, you guys have to dig deeper to look at the true meaning of what was/is going on.

Some of you hate on "his" Spider-man series, saying that it was badly written. That MAY be but many of you that say that are failing to realize is that it was his FIRST venture into writing. Give the man a break, not only is he a rookie at writing but he is pulling DOUBLE duty drawing the book also. Everyone's a critic, they automatically think that since he's been in the industry and is one of the most talented artist that it's gonna translate into him being a good writer, sheesh give the man SOME credit, many couldn't do half of what he was doing.

Not only that, people were complaining that the stories were to dark, it's "Spider-man" not "Batman". There were 3, count'em THREEE, other Spidey books being published at the time, if Todd's Spidey wasn't your cup of tea then buy the "other" (hehe) Spidey books.

People hate on Todd and don't even really know why or have the lamest excuse to hate on him, everyone's a critic. The man is doin' something right, he's the most famous and most successful comic book artist ever. The man used to draw comics for crying out loud, and look what he's doing now.

[Dangerous]

I don't hate on the man he is my second fave ever Spidey artist, but what you need to understand is that he is a well known A-hole.

The ambition and drive he had/has is great for him, but I've heard stuff like if you ever see him at a signing or anything he never agrees even when asked to draw any characeter other than Spawn.

He never does Spider-man sketches for fans, don't you think thats the least he could do? Spidey put him on the map.
He also owes royaltys to Neil Gaiman (sp?) for creating the character of Angela, I think that chick w/ the wings on her back first app- Spawn#9.

[Themanofbat]

He also owes royaltys to Neil Gaiman (sp?) for creating the character of Angela, I think that chick w/ the wings on her back first app- Spawn#9.

Not to mention that he's frucking Gaimen over on the rights to MiracleMan, which are rightfully Gaimen's, yet Todd thinks he owns a piece when he purchased Eclipse Comics a few years ago.

Todd's BS attitude towards the whole thing has left many MiracleMan fans waiting for issue #25 and for Gaimen to finish his story. :mad:

:(

[Themanofbat]

People hate on Todd and don't even really know why or have the lamest excuse to hate on him, everyone's a critic. The man is doin' something right, he's the most famous and most successful comic book artist ever. The man used to draw comics for crying out loud, and look what he's doing now.

As I've mentioned before, while I always have enjoyed his rendition of Spider-Man (to a certain degree), his failure at background art and poor attempts to be able to properly tell a story makes him a slightly above mediocre artist at best. And his writing skills are simply poor... other than a small arc in Spawn (the numbering was in the ealry 20's), his writing was poor.

So while I don't particularly hate Todd, I really don't care about him. And as a fan of Moore & Gaimen's rendition of MarvelMan/MiracleMan, I am rather upset that Todd's kept Gaimen from completing what could be one of the best Super-Hero storylines ever told. And the fact that it's been over 10 years since MiracleMan #24, that's long enough for me to be upset with him.

:(

[The Red Skull]

As I've mentioned before, while I always have enjoyed his rendition of Spider-Man (to a certain degree), his failure at background art and poor attempts to be able to properly tell a story makes him a slightly above mediocre artist at best. And his writing skills are simply poor... other than a small arc in Spawn (the numbering was in the ealry 20's), his writing was poor.

So while I don't particularly hate Todd, I really don't care about him. And as a fan of Moore & Gaimen's rendition of MarvelMan/MiracleMan, I am rather upset that Todd's kept Gaimen from completing what could be one of the best Super-Hero storylines ever told. And the fact that it's been over 10 years since MiracleMan #24, that's long enough for me to be upset with him.

:(

I thought his work was pretty phenomenal back in the early nineties. Probably because it was so unlike anything I'd ever seen before. And his Spider-Man was a standout, though, in retrospect, it may have been that novelty factor that made McFarlane a star.

Not that he ever draws anything these days. Would that he had worked on his craft... maybe he'd have become another Kirby, another Moebius or Eisner. Either that or he'd have become another Liefeld, his style becoming more and more dated as the years went on.

And the above business practices (including stiffing someone like Gaiman - who has given more to comics than Todd's ever likely to - on royalties) hardly helps his case. At least Liefeld's reputed to be an alright bloke.

[comicbookmaster]

:spidey: I loved todd mcfalane's run on spider-man and amazing spider-man,also erik larsen run,but the best is bothh john romita jr and mark bagley(doing almost 100 issues on ultimate spider-man):spidey: :spidey: :spidey: :spidey:

:spidey:Spidey is greater than wolverine!!!!!!anyday!!!! :wolverine

[Guardian Enzo]

I loved todd mcfalane's run on amazing spider-man.

[Cyclops]

Mignola is nowhere near the caliber of artist as McFarlane, that's for sure.



That's pretty damn funny.

Mignola's a damn good penciler, his work is just very stylized. And you know what? He still does it, he still draws, whereas McFarlane doesn't. I really don't think you can call someone an artist when they don't produce art anymore.

Furthermore, Mignola is an incredibly talented storyteller and writer as well. He writes an incredibly involving story, really good dialogue and manages to make long-lasting plotlines that don't lose a reader's interest.

In the terms of the art of making comics, Mike Mignola is LEAGUES ahead of McFarlane ever was. Todd, whether you like him or not, was all about flash over substance. Mike mixes the two perfectly. Todd could never reach the level Mike Mignola is at. Ever.

[deathshead2]

That's pretty damn funny.

Mignola's a damn good penciler, his work is just very stylized. And you know what? He still does it, he still draws, whereas McFarlane doesn't. I really don't think you can call someone an artist when they don't produce art anymore.

Furthermore, Mignola is an incredibly talented storyteller and writer as well. He writes an incredibly involving story, really good dialogue and manages to make long-lasting plotlines that don't lose a reader's interest.

In the terms of the art of making comics, Mike Mignola is LEAGUES ahead of McFarlane ever was. Todd, whether you like him or not, was all about flash over substance. Mike mixes the two perfectly. Todd could never reach the level Mike Mignola is at. Ever.:up: See thats what i'm talking about.

[shinlyle]

As I've said....McFarlane's stories suck. No doubt. Ihave yet to read more than 3 or 4 GOOD SOLID stories from him.

Yeah Mignola has better stories, but his artwork is far behind McFarlane. Stylized or not.

And, if you'd read my previous posts, I mentioned that I can't stand McFarlane seeing as how he seems to be "too good to draw" lately.

Still....talents' talent, and as far as pencils go, McFarlane>Mignola.

[Dangerous]

As I've mentioned before, while I always have enjoyed his rendition of Spider-Man (to a certain degree), his failure at background art and poor attempts to be able to properly tell a story makes him a slightly above mediocre artist at best. And his writing skills are simply poor... other than a small arc in Spawn (the numbering was in the ealry 20's), his writing was poor.
:(

Poor background art?
Can you elaborate I always thought his skyscrapers and water towers were great.
Do you mean other people apart from the main cast?, sure they were kinda freaky looking,
but so were PP and MJ.
As for his story telling skills through pencils, they were very dynamic especially the fights.

[AmaznSpider-Fan]

Janson > Mignola & MacFarlane

http://www.spiderfan.org/cgi-bin/cover.pl?80123,spiderman,040.jpg


:eek: :D

[Dangerous]

Damn if thats Jansen the anatomy is a little out, heh owch

[shinlyle]

Janson > Mignola & MacFarlane

http://www.spiderfan.org/cgi-bin/cover.pl?80123,spiderman,040.jpg


:eek: :D

Gah!! Look at those buildings in the background!! they look like they were done in crayon! Is Electro making it snow? Was this a Christmas special?:confused: ;)

[AmaznSpider-Fan]

http://www.spiderfan.org/cgi-bin/cover.pl?80123,spiderman,039.jpg

http://www.theoutside.net/forum/style_emoticons/default/ign_sick.gif (javascript:add_smilie()

[Cyclops]

As I've said....McFarlane's stories suck. No doubt. Ihave yet to read more than 3 or 4 GOOD SOLID stories from him.

Yeah Mignola has better stories, but his artwork is far behind McFarlane. Stylized or not.

And, if you'd read my previous posts, I mentioned that I can't stand McFarlane seeing as how he seems to be "too good to draw" lately.

Still....talents' talent, and as far as pencils go, McFarlane>Mignola.

I don't see how Mignola's behind McFarlane. I really don't. I've got alot of McFarlane's Spider-Man issues (couldn't get me to touch Spawn with a ten foot pole), and alot of Hellboy as well, and from what I've read, Todd just can't compare.

[Dangerous]

http://www.spiderfan.org/cgi-bin/cover.pl?80123,spiderman,039.jpg

http://www.theoutside.net/forum/style_emoticons/default/ign_sick.gif (javascript:add_smilie()


Ok I understand what you guys were talking about Jansen now.
The buildings are fine for me, but the figure are kinda.. wrong huh,

[Dangerous]

Kinda gives ya hope that you can do it eventually when you see real comic artists get the figure so wrong...

[shinlyle]

"Wow.....this almost makes Pat Lee's artwork look good...:(

[shinlyle]

I don't see how Mignola's behind McFarlane. I really don't. I've got alot of McFarlane's Spider-Man issues (couldn't get me to touch Spawn with a ten foot pole), and alot of Hellboy as well, and from what I've read, Todd just can't compare.

Pencil-wise, I just think McFarlane's better. As for storywise....well, let me put it to you this way: I have the first 60 or so issues of Spawn, and I still don't know who the f*** actually killed Al Simmons. I still don't know what the point of the book was supposed to be.

I've read alot of Hellboy, and there's an actual flow to the story. There's continuity, and there's some actual interesting characters....which is more than I can say for Spawn, who just broods in an alleyway 24/7 and occasionally kills people.

Storywise, Mignola's as far aheaf od McFarlane as possible....I just don't dig his artwork as much as I did McFarlane's.....you know, back when he actually drew something....:(

[Themanofbat]

Janson > Mignola & MacFarlane

http://www.spiderfan.org/cgi-bin/cover.pl?80123,spiderman,040.jpg


:eek: :D

I was a bit disappointed when this story came out because Klaus Janson had made quite a name for himself inking Frank Miller's art on his DareDevil run.

:(

[Themanofbat]

Poor background art?
Can you elaborate I always thought his skyscrapers and water towers were great.
Do you mean other people apart from the main cast?, sure they were kinda freaky looking,
but so were PP and MJ.
As for his story telling skills through pencils, they were very dynamic especially the fights.

I remember a time between issues 310 & 320 when he drew the people in the story, but the background was simply filled with colour. I know that the bi-weekly schedule probably affected his ability to properly draw things, but it was also during the period when his ego started to get inflated.

[shinlyle]

I remember a time between issues 310 & 320 when he drew the people in the story, but the background was simply filled with colour. I know that the bi-weekly schedule probably affected his ability to properly draw things, but it was also during the period when his ego started to get inflated.

See...I understand an artist having a tiny bit of an ego...you need one in the industry of comics where each person has a different spin and style on things....but when his ego got to the point that he wanted his own book, got it, and then thought that wasn't enough....it got ridiculous. Marvel obviously wanted to keep him badly enough for him to have his own Spidey title...and that lasted for, what, 16 issues? And didn't Erik Larsen do number 15 for him? S***...16 issues is sad. Then again, Jim Lee did the same thing with X-Men...and Rob Liefeld with X-Force...

Okay, so they started up Image comics, which is the powerhouse of independant press right now, but how many of them still create on a regular basis? Todd doesn't draw or write, he just runs his empire. Jim Lee works for DC. Marc Silversti, Erik Larsen, and Jim Valentino are the only ones out of the Image "Founding Fathers" that still work on their own creations anymore. It's kind of sad.

It's almost like the rest just left to join the crowd, and went back later.

I can't even remember what the point of this rant was, now.....sorry, guys.:(

[Dangerous]

Hmm Ok TMOB, il have to go back and look at those issues, but like you said it was bi weekly then.

And atleaset we got Larsen on ASM Vol2 #20-21, that was cool.

[shinlyle]

Hmm Ok TMOB, il have to go back and look at those issues, but like you said it was bi weekly then.

And atleaset we got Larsen on ASM Vol2 #20-21, that was cool.

His artwork had slipped a little, but seeing Erik back on ASm was awesome. The big, round-eyed Spidey....the kinetic action scenes....and no John Nyrne to be found anywhere....it was great.

[Dangerous]

Dunno if I would say it had slipped, more just evolved, become a bit more relaxed and organic instead of it being all tight lines.

Too bad he did'nt stay a few more issues, by #23 Venom returned and Larsen did my second ever fav Venom.:(

[shinlyle]

Dunno if I would say it had slipped, more just evolved, become a bit more relaxed and organic instead of it being all tight lines.

Too bad he did'nt stay a few more issues, by #23 Venom returned and Larsen did my second ever fav Venom.:(

My favorite Erik larsen artwork ever was in Amazing Spider-man #350. Damn...that was an awesome issue!:up:

[Cyclops]

Pencil-wise, I just think McFarlane's better. As for storywise....well, let me put it to you this way: I have the first 60 or so issues of Spawn, and I still don't know who the f*** actually killed Al Simmons. I still don't know what the point of the book was supposed to be.

I've read alot of Hellboy, and there's an actual flow to the story. There's continuity, and there's some actual interesting characters....which is more than I can say for Spawn, who just broods in an alleyway 24/7 and occasionally kills people.

Storywise, Mignola's as far aheaf od McFarlane as possible....I just don't dig his artwork as much as I did McFarlane's.....you know, back when he actually drew something....:(

See, the way I see it, writing a comicbook is as important to comicbook artistry as drawing it is. The best comicbook creators can do both very well, both distinctively draw artwork and craft great stories.

In that respect, even if you don't think Mignola's as good a penciler as Todd McFarlane, you'd have to realize that he's a better overal comicbook artist.

[shinlyle]

See, the way I see it, writing a comicbook is as important to comicbook artistry as drawing it is. The best comicbook creators can do both very well, both distinctively draw artwork and craft great stories.

In that respect, even if you don't think Mignola's as good a penciler as Todd McFarlane, you'd have to realize that he's a better overal comicbook artist.

Well, in that respect, Todd McFarlane's barely an artist at all, seeing as how his stories can be as bad as his artwork is good.

Overall, Mignola's a better professional, but he's just not as good a penciller.

[Themanofbat]

Overall, Mignola's a better professional, but he's just not as good a penciller.

I'd agree with that.

While I was never a fan of Mignolia's early Marvel art work, I hear he's a lot more smooth now with Hellboy. And I've heard nothing but great stuff about Hellboy (storywise).

:)

[shinlyle]

I'd agree with that.

While I was never a fan of Mignolia's early Marvel art work, I hear he's a lot more smooth now with Hellboy. And I've heard nothing but great stuff about Hellboy (storywise).

:)

Oh yeah...Hellboy rocks hard! His artwork is still very individual and distinct, but I think his writing on this book plays to his strengths....lots of darks, and a lot of odd creatures really make his artwork shine through in this book.

[deathshead2]

Hellboy is great Mignola is a great story teller even though im still angry that he wont be drawing hellboy darkness calls which is ok sense the new artiest on it looks good.

[Kevin Roegele]

A return of the classic red and blue costume in the issue Venom first appeared.[/LIST]I really enjoyed McFarlane's vision of Spider-Man and made Spider-Man a favorite superhero of mine again.

Fair point, but it's well known that the classic costume would have returned whoever pencilled the book.

[Bullseye]

Eventually, yes, the classic costume would returned. But, it returned at the time of a promising new villain and all the buzz of the symbiote costume.

[Kevin Roegele]

You want to see bad covers? Check out some of the Spectacular covers in the 70's.

http://www.spiderfan.org/cgi-bin/cover.pl?80123,spiderman_spectacular,066.jpg

[Cyclops]

What's so bad about that? It's kinda like a Steranko Nick Fury cover.

[Bullseye]

Steranko cover's are much better than that cover.

[Cyclops]

Well, in that respect, Todd McFarlane's barely an artist at all, seeing as how his stories can be as bad as his artwork is good.

Overall, Mignola's a better professional, but he's just not as good a penciller.

He is barely an artist. I've personally never liked his art style, and he was one of those big proponents of the "Penciling is EVERYTHING for a comic - you don't need a well-written story when you can draw" philosophy that Image was founded upon.

Which is a spit in the face to all those comicbook artists who work hard to craft their stories, and yes I include writers in that number.

[shinlyle]

You want to see bad covers? Check out some of the Spectacular covers in the 70's.

http://www.spiderfan.org/cgi-bin/cover.pl?80123,spiderman_spectacular,066.jpg

"What if Liberache did a Spider-Man cover?"

[Themanofbat]

You want to see bad covers? Check out some of the Spectacular covers in the 70's.

http://www.spiderfan.org/cgi-bin/cover.pl?80123,spiderman_spectacular,066.jpg

That came out in 1982... ;)

:)

[shinlyle]

That came out in 1982... ;)

:)

That explains alot. The colors...the....um...colors....

I'll bet Electro is sporting a Flock of Seagulls hairdo underneath his mask in that pic.

[Bullseye]

GAK!! How can you even say that? Mignola is one of the worst comic artists I've ever seen. I can't stand his drawing style. Mcfarlane blows Mignola out of the water.

I've actually became quite fond of Mignola's work.

[diespinne]

Yeah, I used to be a big fan of McFarlane's art on Hulk and ASM, but looking back on it, I don't like it much at all. His humans--to me--often resemble flashy, hyper-detailed wads of putty.

On the flipside, I was never big into Mignola's work back then, but now, I'm a big fan of his very distinctive style.

Besides stating my opinion, of course, I'm not sure how anyone can quantify one artist's pencilling ability over the other... I imagine both McFarlane and Mignola could approximate each other's styles with a gun to each of their heads. I don't think the perceived simplicity in Mignola's style should suggest that he is unable to do more busy, detailed sorts of drawings like McFarlane, or that that sort of detailing equals greater skill. That being said, I find the distinct style of Mignola's compositions much more aesthetically pleasing.

Out of curiosity, would someone mind posting or referring to a good fight sequence drawn by McFarlane?