When alert reader Colin J. recently made a comment about being curious to see more of artist Tom Sutton's Marvel work, one title that springs to mind would have to be his brief run on Doctor Strange during 1978-79. Have a look at this sampling of the man's impressive artistry from that assignment:
(Check out the nice touch of the stars sprinkling out from Stygyro's cone-hat!)
Regrettably, Sutton's tenure on Doctor Strange lasted for only eight issues, even with an accommodating bi-monthly publication schedule. To say that the book was in writer/artist flux during this time is an understatement, with Sutton at times inking his own work (and, even in one instance, another penciller)--so perhaps Sutton merely stepped aboard to lend an able hand. (A letters page response in one issue showed Marvel being unusually coy about whether Sutton was the new "regular" artist for the book, when normally they'd be welcoming that artist aboard with all due fanfare.) At any rate, the man unquestionably made his mark on this comic.
Thanks for posting these, what lovely work. Sutton certainly did seem to be a natural for Dr. Strange.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I forgot this but I certainly remember it now - but my favourite Tom Sutton art will always be the Freedom Reaver arc from Planet of the Apes. It all looked so strange when I first saw it aged nine and ten - the huge, sprawling city-ships have a wonderfully gothic look.
ReplyDeleteMr. Sutton was in the same league, and styling, as Barry Smith and P. Craig Russell. That lush "art noveau" tone that really suits characters like Dr. Strange. Certainly suited his horror material as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is tough. I'm always at odds with the '70s lush tapestry-styled art from Colan, Brunner and Sutton. One the one hand, it's simply fantastic. But it seemed to become more a 'monster-of-the-week' mag as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm still a purist for the comparitively stark and subtle Ditko days. I wasn't a big fan of Ditko's Spidey, but he was PERFECT on Strange.
Y'know, DR.STRANGE has certainly seen it's share of great artists. Ditko, Severin, Brunner...
ReplyDeleteMy personal favorite was Gene Colan, but this stuff was fantastic, too.