Comics legend John Buscema

Spotlight
Comics legend John Buscema
By Mark Allen
October 5, 2009 - 20:47

John Buscema produced his first professional comics work in 1948 for Timely Comics. That initial year netted him experience in several different genres, including romance, western and crime comics.

After a stint in the Army, and subsequent honorable/medical discharge in 1951, he did freelance work for several different publishers, including Atlas (formerly Timely), Quality, Dell, Ace, Charlton, and many others.

In 1958, Buscema left the floundering comics business for greener pastures in commercial art. Just eight years later, however, he was lured back to Marvel Comics (formerly Atlas/Timely) to make his considerable mark on one of the most crucial periods in the history of the medium, the Silver Age. From 1966 until his death in 2002, the lion’s share of the artist’s work was done for Stan Lee’s “House of Ideas”, as Buscema’s stellar work on The Avengers and The Silver Surfer, as well as a 14-year association with Conan The Barbarian, made him one of the most respected and loved figures in comics.

His work was extremely prolific, having drawn at least one issue of virtually every Marvel comic during his prime, and many covers over the years.John Buscema’s art always appeared to be that of a man who loved what he did, and invested heavily in it. His style is as compelling as it is intricate. His heroes are bold, powerful, and always action-ready, whether they wear tights, a sword or a loin cloth. His women are alluring, be they damsels, warriors or heroines. And his locations consistently appeared as settings with which he was infinitely familiar. In short, Buscema seemed to render his craft with a deep appreciation for every character and element of a story.

Space doesn’t allow a complete listing of all of John Buscema’s work. Seeking it all out, however, is sure to keep an individual busy for some time. As a personal aside, this reviewer has always found his ‘70's Tarzanwork for Marvel to be underappreciated. But, whatever you find, it is almost certain to be highly recommended.