Product Description

In 1987, a year after Watchmen and Dark Knight Returns turned comics grim and gritty, artist Kevin Maguire proved that comics could still be fun, with the release of the "all-new" Justice League. His style was the perfect match for the humorous dialogue and character-driven stories, and the unlikely series quickly developed a large following. But the glue that held the series together was Maguire's ability to convey emotion on the page. The Justice League, Captain America, the X-Men, the Defenders... they are all actors on Maguire's stage, and he directs them with the ability of a true Modern Master. This new volume in the Modern Masters series features a career-spanning interview and tons of artwork, including a large gallery section featuring many rare and unpublished sketches and finished pieces.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #528787 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

From Booklist
Shortly after breaking into the comic-book business in the mid-1980s, Maguire snagged the plum assignment of illustrating a revamped Justice League. That launched a career as a fan favorite that continues unabated. The humorous, irreverent treatment Maguire and the writers gave the normally straitlaced JL characters was an immediate hit, despite--or, perhaps, because of--its contrast with the "grim and gritty" mode dominating superhero comics at the time. Maguire's understated style, emphasizing facial expressions and body language, differentiated his from the bombastic approaches more typical of the genre. Since his initial success, he has worked for a variety of publishers (including a stint at a short-lived line of softcore titles published by Penthouse, where his skill at depicting gorgeous women served him well) and drawn many of comics' most celebrated characters, including Superman, Batman, and the X-Men. This new volume in the Modern Masters series features a sprawling interview with Maguire accompanied by dozens of comics pages (many in original pencil form), sketches, character designs, and other rare illustrations. Gordon Flagg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

A TRULY UNDERRATED TALENT!
For the tenth volume in their Modern Masters series, Tomorrows Publishing has chosen Kevin Maguire as their subject and I could not be happier. Maguire has always been a bit of a mystery to me...you seldom here much about him and interviews have been few and far between. George Khoury and Eric Nolen-Weathington make up for all that with a book-length interview with Maguire and the presentation of a ton of previously unpublished artwork.

After a short stint working under John Romita Sr. in Marvel's art corrections department in the mid-80's, Kevin moved to DC where he was to work on a titled called Wild Card which was later scrapped for legal reasons because of its similar title to George R.R. Martins Sci-Fi anthology series called "Wild Cards." Kevin mentions he had the chance to go back to Marvel to work on Silver Surfer but instead he took Justice League at DC, jumping at the chance to draw Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash...all those classic DC heroes...and instead ended up with Blue Beatle, Booster Gold, Guy Gardner and Maxwell Lord. It turned out to be a match made in Heaven as Maguire, along with Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis turn this title into one of the most popular books of the late 80's with a lighter, more humorous take that may have upset some older fans, but was being eaten up by a younger generation.

The new Justice League was focused as much on the relationships between the various heroes as much as it was battling super foes and Maguire's art with his photo-realistic facial expressions, was perfectly suited for the book's style. It was a memorable two-year stint that breathed new life into a title that had been failing for years. I'd go as far to say that this trio virtually rescued the JLA and are the reason that the book remains popular today, some twenty years later.

Maguire comes across as very reserved, but honest and sincere. Among the other topics he discusses is his Adventures of Captain project that he eventually lost after a few issues when he was late on his deadlines. Kevin has moved from project to project over the years. Whether through choice or circumstance he hasn't stayed for long on any title, which is a shame because he's a tremendously gifted artist.

The last 30 pages of the are a gallery of his work that includes many unpublished pieces. One of my favorites is an alternate take on his famous Justice League #1 group cover that features characters like Daredevil, The Submariner, Hellboy, Big Barda, The Sandman, and Black Bolt.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

Any who would understand Maguire's progress and insights needs this
In 1987 comic artist Kevin Maguire issued a 'new' Justice League comic set with a new style to attract new audiences. His ability to capture high drama using comic expressions would gain him a following for an old series, and here his approaches, insights and techniques are revealed in a series of interviews paired with black and white reproductions of his comics. Any who would understand Maguire's progress and insights, and any library strong in contemporary comic artists, needs Modern Masters V. 10: Kevin Maguire.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch