Comic books have become an important medium as of the 21st century. For many decades, these series of books have captivated and inspired readers of both old and new. Many fans have even gone on to become comic book creators themselves in order to continue inspiring the imagination of others. Over time, these authors have eventually gained legendary status as artists and have continued to make their mark to this day. However, because there are so many influential artists in the industry, this article will only show just a taste of what a comic artist is capable of.
With that being said, here are 10 incredibly influential comic artists whether its from American or European comics.
10 Daniel Clowes
Daniel Clowes is one of the most influential authors in both underground comics as well as standard American comics. His art style is often quite simplistic with the storytelling being straightforward and clean. However, he often draws his characters in a way that has a certain quirkiness and personality to them.
His works often have a cult following with one, in particular, going on to become an award-winning film for the indie scene. Ghost World. Daniel Clowes has since become an award-winning comic book creator with a short documentary being filmed about his work by Great Big Story.
9 Joe Kubert
Joe Kubert is one of the longest-running and prolific comic creators out there. Ever since he was a young boy, Joe Kubert has drawn comics of all forms. From romances to war comics, to superheroes.
One of the many examples of his most famous works is Hawkman, Sgt. Rock and an adaptation of Tarzan. His style is known for its gritty textures and his storytelling is almost unparalleled. He eventually went on to create a school for more comic creators to born known as the Joe Kubert School.
8 André Franquin
Andre Franquin is one of the most important comic creators in Bande Desinee's lifespan. Often considered the opposite of Herge, his art style was best known for its vast amount of detail and expert use of shadows. His work eventually went on to influence the likes of Francisco Ibáñez and the respect of Herge.
He is best known for his award-winning work of Spirou et Fantasio which has ran for over 20 years.
7 Art Spiegelman
Art Spiegelman is another creator known within the industry and the creator of the ambitious and Pulitzer winning Maus. His writing is both prolific as well as deeply personal, while his art style tends to be heavily stylistic.
Yet despite this, his storytelling is easily one of the best in the industry which allows him to create memorable stories that have stuck around into the human subconscious regardless of generation.
6 Albert Uderzo
Albert Uderzo is the artist behind the duo of Asterix. While the writer is Rene Goscinny, Albert Uderzo has been drawing the characters of this lavishly colorful world for many decades.
His works in Asterix has captivated audiences of all ages and even with the death of Goscinny, Uderzo has continued to draw and write the character decades after. All of this established Asterix as one of the most famous European characters of all time.
5 Robert Crumb
Robert Crumb is one of the most recognizable creators in the Underground comics scene. Whether it's for his eccentric personality or his equally eccentric artstyle. Unlike other artists, whether known for their lavish detail or their cartoony art style, Crumb's work tends to lean towards the magically grotesque.
Not only that, but his work tends to poke fun at the industry and even give it harsh criticisms.
4 Jean Giraud
Jean Giruad, also known as Moebius, is one of the most important comic creators in both the western and European scene. With his work on Blueberry, readers were taken to an amazingly, lavishly detailed world of Cowboys.
While his time with Science Fiction work was revolutionary for its unique approach to art and storytelling, going as far as to influence works like Blade Runner and Alien films just as much as comic books.
3 Will Eisner
Will Eisner's work is nothing short of unprecedented. As one of the greatest storytellers in the comic book medium, he drew great works like The Spirit for newspapers.
Not only that, but his later works such as Contract With God helped to lay the foundation of strong graphic novels. His storytelling legacy is felt throughout any comic creator and his name eventually became used for the Eisner awards.
2 Herge
Herge is one of the most important Bande Desinee creators who ever lived. He is responsible for the works of Tintin with the characters travels all over the world. This character has single-handily shook the industry thanks to his adventures being incredibly well-written, full of strong characters and beautiful art.
The art, in particular, is revolutionary, as Herge is responsible for bringing the Ligne Claire art into popularity within the Bande Desinee. An art style where it prioritizes linework and strong colors over diverse shadows. His work on Tintin became recognizable all over the world, not only selling internationally but going into the millions.
1 Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby is easily the most prolific comic artist of all time. His work extends all the way back during the 1940s where he has created characters such as Captain America. As decades past, he ended up creating an entire universe with Stan Lee, creating and influencing many characters and worlds with the tip of his pencil.
His art evolution and imagination is nothing short of unparalleled. Looking bold and unique even by today's standards, his storytelling tends to be experimental as he likes to stretch the panels. Aside from that, but his comic book art is the reason why superhero comics eventually started to become more and more dynamic with time.