Meanwhile, Not Too Far Away

Imagine that . . . a few lines of ink can transport your mind to another place and time. I AM on this island.

Moebius

Ruler of the Entire City

Moebius

Fabulous interior perspective — an entirely believable secret citadel.

Les Voilà

Moebius (Jean Giraud) was a source of inspiration to me in the 70s and 80s, compelling me to work with a simpler line in my ink work, which is the opposite of one of my other lifelong inspirations, Walt Kelly—he with the lush thick brushstrokes. I was never obsessed with collecting Mobius, I guess because I didn't love all of his work. But the pieces that I did love have never left my collection yet.

One thing I really love about Moebius panel art is that most of his panels can be isolated from the story, enlarged, and be immensely appreciated on their own merits. The panel below could be a framed print on my wall and be most satisfactory to my sensibilities.

The complex simplicity, the perfect perspective, the sense of depth (that this plane is really in the air), even the sense of mystery (what's unfolding here? What is this place?).

I think I'll post some more of his panel art.

Moebius

Woody's Night Before

Even after Mad changed from a comic book to a magazine, Wally Wood's visuals were %@*&$#% brilliant! I've broken these scans down panel by panel so as to zoom in on each lovely rendering. I'm so used to seeing this kind of art smallish on a page, so zooming in is like seeing it all for the first time. Viva Woody!

Woody's Night Before - 2

Woody's Night Before - 3