lunes, 29 de junio de 2009

Modern Masters Vol. 12: Michael Golden

Michael Golden is a name familiar to those of us who have been reading comics since the 70's and 80's. His style sometimes leans towards the cartoony but never really crosses the line into being "funnybook" style. His line always conveys a sense of fluidity and vitality that is sadly lacking in many artists.
Upon reading this book, which like many of the "Modern Masters" series, is really one long interview with the artist, one realizes that Golden kind of fell into comics and was never really confortable in the field, leaving it alltogether for long stretches to pursue illustrative work in advertising only to come back to comics whenever some editor called him for a project, and only then, if Golden had the time for it. He admits to having no real love for comics as a child and explains his almost accidental entrance into the field at the insistance of a friend.
This is one thing that comes across in many interviews with comic or fantasy artists which are revered by fans. The fact that to them their work is just that - work, a job, not some dream assignment. This is a hard pill to swallow for many fans as they believe that their favorite artists and writers are as emotionally invested in their work as the fans themselves. Golden admits that him drawing Batman or Spiderman or any other high profile character was nothing special, just a job to be done. The interviewer tries to goad the artist into saying if he was excited or felt anything special when drawing the caped crusader instead of the lesser character The Demon, but Michael Golden says simply "No". Nuff said.
The interview itself is very well done and Golden spills the beans on many interesting behind the scenes goings on at both DC and Marvel, nothing scandalous, mind you, just cool insider stuff that gives readers a further appreciation for how a comic comes together.
Of course, the best part of the book is the art, even though there is plenty of text, there are examples of Golden's work on every page with many full page reproductions. An extensive gallery section at the end of the book rounds things off nicely with some color illustrations included. Most of the book is in black and white, but don't let that deter you as Golden's work is better appreciated that way. In closing, a worthy addition to the Modern Masters series.