After the untimely death of iconic US comics artist Dave Stevens earlier this year (see news story), there was some doubt his planned collection of his work, tentatively titled Dave Stevens: A Creative Life, would see publication.
There was no need to worry: the team at Undrewood Books have now scheduled release of Brush with Passion: The Life and Art of Dave Stevens for February 2009, described as an introduction to the first retrospective popular comic film illustrator David Stevens.
Brush with Passion charts Stevens’ career, encouraged by legendary creators like Jack Kirby, Milton Caniff, and Burne Hogarth. Stevens talks about his work as a storyboard artist for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video and Raiders of the Lost Ark, his days drawing comics, and the trials and tribulations of bringing The Rocketeer to the big screen.
Renowned for his wink-and-flirt pin-up art, Stevens is credited with revitalizing interest in, championing the rights of, and befriending the reclusive 1950s model Bettie Page and he recounts their first meeting and subsequent adventures together – including a trip to the Playboy Mansion.
Featuring a wealth of iconic paintings and previously unpublished art, Brush with Passion also features commentary by comic book greats Todd Schorr, Richard Hescox, Michael William Kaluta and William Stout.
The book is edited by Cathy Fenner and Arnie Fenner, recipients of the Locus Award and World Fantasy Award for Spectrum as Best Art Book.
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Comic Art