Gene Colan Is Very Sick

[filkertom]

Mark Evanier informs us that comics legend Gene Colan, one of my very favorite artists, is not well.

If you're not familiar with Colan's work, well, click that second link above. Dude's been in comics for sixty years, and he's done some of the most fantastic work we've ever seen -- the Tomb of Dracula stuff, Howard the Duck, Iron Man, Daredevil, you name it. Thing is, most of the great artists have a specialty, something they do better than anyone else. With Kirby it was breadth of imagination; with Kane it was sheer vibrant power. With Colan, it's mood... to be specific, darkness. Very few artists have ever approached Colan's ability to make everything seem ominous, especially some of the Howard the Duck stories where the humor jarred more because of the horrific backdrop. And reading those Dracula stories again is like watching fine old woodcuts start moving, coming to life with modern details in a way that a simple novel, comic book, or film cannot convey.

Many good and hopeful thoughts for the speedy recovery of Mr. Colan, and hugs and good wishes to his family and friends.

Any particular Colan stories you like? I've simply got too many to list.

Comments

[trav13369.livejournal.com]

I remember that Gene Colan did DC's "Night Force", and co-created Marvel's "Blade" with Marv Wolfman, co-creator of the "New Teen Titans".

Gene Colan

[j-e-richards.livejournal.com]

I can't think of any one particular series, but the overall muscular broodiness of the panels. He did a great tension. Ah, the classic Marvel when you never knew WHO was going to be doing a book that month. I was always a "John and Marie Severin" fan meself, but it was an interesting month when Gene did the honors. Let's all keep good thoughts to "The Bullpen"

[thatcrazycajun.livejournal.com]

I remember Mr. Colan's work on THE SPECTRE for DC and on HOWARD THE DUCK for Marvel, both with great fondness. I hope and pray for his swift and full recovery.

[zillafan.livejournal.com]

I loved Tomb of Dracula... bought the Essential edition even though I have most of the run in boxes here in the Kaiju Cave.

I've always associated Mr. Colan with supernatural supers - Tomb of Dracula, The Spectre, Doctor Strange and even Night Force.

Sending good thoughts and bright light his way!

[woyro.livejournal.com]

i have full runs of TOMB OF DRACULA and HOWARD THE DUCK. Gene's work on both of these books is WONDERFUL. his atmospheric line work on TOD, especially!

[ldwheeler.livejournal.com]

The ones you mentioned, of course -- but I would add the miniseries he did with the (sigh) late Steve Gerber, The Phantom Zone. It's not every artist who can make a Superman story seem ominous -- but this was an ominous story, with a dozen full-powered, evil and/or deranged Kryptonians loose on Earth while Superman was stuck in the Zone -- but Colan did it.

[wildcard9.livejournal.com]

I remember him from Night Force put out by DC. I think it was the only horror title I actually read and liked, mostly due to his artwork. Thank you for passing on the news about his health.