I saw Harold mention something interesting today on Facebook, and it got me to thinking about just how true his statement was. He posted something like: “The ability to draw does not make you an artist.” I think that’s an absolute fact. I have often thought the same of writers. Simply because you can form words and type doesn’t make you a writer by any stretch of the imagination. People always talk about writers having the easy job…but I gotta completely disagree with that. Talent, regardless of the form it takes, requires hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to make it grow.
So having said all that, I figured I’d show you an artist at work. I’ve made no secret of my deep love for Harold’s work over the years we’ve been teamed up. I think we work well together, but even if we weren’t I’d follow everything the guy put onto paper because it’s his energy, the life he brings to the work, that jumps out at me. Observe…
That’s a panel out of page 6 of Dynagirl #10. I know, because I got to see the whole page a week or so ago, and it’s unbelievable. I mean what he’s got right here kicks all sorts of ass no doubt, but when you see this piece within the context of the entire page…mind blowing. What makes it all the more impressive is that Harold sent me the page, and several others because he wanted to let me know that he was taking a bit longer on the new pages as he adjusted his style a bit, tried some new things to make the book better. Even a casual fan could see the evolution of his style from Fallen Justice and the constraints he was under at the time to the breakout stuff he’s done on Dynagirl, and even further from the first arc to the second. It’s a massive difference, and all to the better, in my opinion.
See, that’s where I come down on the whole drawing/artist thing. Someone who can draw, could even draw well and make a nice living doing it. Can’t spite anyone their livelihood. But an artist isn’t happy with just drawing. An artist is constantly upping their game, pushing their comfort zone, trying new techniques to get better, to improve. I think that’s the critical difference that sets the two apart. And without a doubt, Harold Edge is an artist.
So there you have it. Not exactly a special Thursday page, but a nice little update showing you some behind the scenes process at least. I’ll be posting more of these, as time and material allow. Let me know what you think!
