DC Thomson Media’s Heritage Comics much-anticipated and eagerly awaited book, The Art Of Ian Kennedy, celebrating 70 years of Ian Kennedy’s illustrious career at DC Thomson, is now available to pre-order.
This is an opportunity to enjoy the amazing art of a comics master who has worked on comics for his entire career – and continues to do so.
Due for release in April, the Heritage Comics team are proud to present the first-ever ‘Art of’ book dedicated to this master of the comics medium.
The full cover for “The Art of Ian Kennedy”, sans copy © DC Thomson Media
Ian is the longest serving DC Thomson Media illustrator, having worked for the publisher for 70 years, beginning his career in the company’s Art Department back in 1949. Since then, he has contributed to many of DC Thomson Media’s comics, such as Commando, Britain’s longest-running war comic, Starblazer, Hotspur and many more.
Ian has created over 1,250 Commando covers, which continue to be very popular amongst readers.
The art book showcases Ian’s fantastic array of work for not only DC Thomson Media but also his own personal collection. Priced £40, the high spec 160-page art book includes both never before seen and classic covers, as well as illustrations from the DC Thomson archives, featuring titles as diverse as Lucky Charm and Buddy.
Set out chronologically, the book showcases Ian’s career at the famous Scottish publishing house, from his early days working on “Red-Skull Branson” and “Commando Jim” to his most recent covers and commissions for Commando.
Ian Kennedy’s Commando art © DC Thomson & Co Ltd. 2019
“Morgan’s Mob” art by Ian Kennedy © DC Thomson & Co Ltd. 2019
“Smasher” art for Bullet by Ian Kennedy © DC Thomson & Co Ltd. 2019
“Union Jack Jackson” art by Ian Kennedy © DC Thomson & Co Ltd. 2019
Priced £40, the 160-page book, which includes material by downthetubes contributor Jeremy Briggs and former Commando editor Calum Laird, is a celebration of 70 years of true comics genius from the pages of publications as diverse as The Topper to Warlord from 1950s to the present day, with a glimpse into the future!
Gordon Tait, Heritage Comics and Licensing Editor, said, “The opportunity to work closely with Ian on this project has been an incredible and most rewarding experience. Many visits to the DC Thomson archives and Ian’s studio have provided a unique insight into the world of this most talented and inspiring comic creator.
“The Heritage Comics team are proud to present the first-ever ‘Art Of’ book dedicated to the artist and his career at DC Thomson. Fans of Ian’s work and of comic art, in general, are in for a real treat with this book. I hope, like me, you’ll discover something new every time you come to it”.
Ian and the rest of the Commando Comic team will be attending the Dunfermline Comic Con on Saturday 30th March where comic fans will get a chance to purchase The Art of Ian Kennedy, as well as meet the man himself.
• The Art of Ian Kennedy is available to order here on Amazon (Using this Affiliate Link helps support downthetubes, thank you)
• Order The Art Of Ian Kennedy from the DC Thomson Web Shop
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: Art and Illustration, British Comics, British Comics - Books, Comic Art, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
Sneak Peek: 2000AD Art of Kevin O’Neill: Apex Edition, available to pre-order now
Dear John, Wow This First The Art of Books Looks amazing. This Leads us into many possibilities For me of course Two i want to see are Frank Hampson and Chris Weston but there are so many Talented Artists past and Present. An amazing Library of Talent from our Comic Illustrating world can be amassed and enjoyed. Thank You for Telling us about this latest idea i for one am quite excited by the many possibilities presented. Our Talented Artists Deserve to be Honoured in this way. This First issue is one for Santa’s Christmas List.