This week’s 2000AD – Prog 1982 , available from all good newsagents, comic shops, and on various digital platforms! – sees the debut of artist Steven Austin in the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic, providing art for a “Time Twister” tale -“The Timeless Assassin” – written by Rory McConville.
The opening page of “The Timeless Assassin” published in 2000AD Prog 1982. © 2000AD/Rebellion
His arrival in the long-running SF comic is much deserved, and comes after editor Tharg spotted his work in the 2000AD-inspired comic Zarjaz – proof, if any were needed, of getting your work “out there” in print (or digitally) to grab attention.
“I submitted art to 2000AD on, I think, five occasions over the past four years,” Steven tells us.
Originally from London, Steven Austin is now a Cambridge-based freelance illustrator and storyboard artist with a particular passion for fantasy, horror and comic art. An extremely versatile artist, he’s been commissioned for a variety of projects for a number of high profile clients such as Playstation, Nissan, Karrimor and Toyota, to name but a few.
His persistence, obvious talent and patience trying to break into 2000AD comes after he received regular feedback on art he pitched at Tharg (and waited anywhere between three to ten months to get it, just to give you an idea of how busy the editorial team on 2000AD are, and offered useful advice on where he needed to make improvements).
A page from ‘Cal’s Arena’, Steve’s “Judge Dredd” story written by Mike Lynch for the 2000AD fanzine Zarjaz, published in 2014.
“As a means of practicing and honing my skills I continued to work on various small press strips for The Psychedelic Journal of Time Travel, Futurequake and Zarjaz. It was my Judge Dredd strip for Zarjaz, “Cal’s Arena”, written by Mike Lynch that caught Tharg’s eye and led to my first gig.
“I’m really pleased with how ‘The Timeless Assassin’ has turned out,” Steven says, whose other recent work includes storyboards for the independent film Rebel City. “I try to push myself out of my comfort zone in some way on every strip I do, whether this be through the use of perspective or angles, anything that will keep me on my toes and facilitate some kind of improvement. This has served me well and I think helped me progress in my art relatively quickly – looking back at the stuff I initially submitted I don’t think you’d recognise it as mine.”
A “Dark Judges” illustration by Steven Austin
Steven hasn’t been letting the grass grow under his feet while waiting for 2000AD‘s call, of course.
“I’m just trying to get out there and hope to pick up more gigs with 2000AD, but I’m also working on a strip with an American writer/editor at the moment,” he reveals, “for a graphic novel we’ll be pitching to US publishers.
“I can’t say too much yet but I’ll certainly keep everyone in the loop via Facebook and Twitter as things develop.!”
We look forward to hearing more – and we’re of course delighted to see Steven’s work in 2000AD this week. Go buy it, now!
Steve Austin at work on a new project
• If anyone is interested in checking out more of Steven’s work they can visit his website at www.stevenaustinart.com
• Find Steven on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ausven1
• Check out 2000AD online at www.2000adonline.com
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: 2000AD, British Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features
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