On September 9, iconic comic book artist John Cassaday suddenly passed away at age 52. While the comic book industry continues to mourn the legendary artist of projects like Astonishing X-Men and Planetary, this week’s Marvel Comics feature a special tribute to Cassaday, with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and others weighing in.
Alongside art from various Marvel titles like Star Wars, Astonishing X-Men, Union Jack, and Captain America are three quotes, as well as the note “Penciler. Inker. Artist. Friend.”
Says Feige, “John’s art made the most fantastical situations feel grounded and real. His work had a uniquely cinematic quality to it, and we strive to bring to the screen what he masterfully accomplished on the page: characters that, even as they’re pulled into extraordinary situations, still seem human and believable. He was a wonderful artist and storyteller, collaborator and friend to so many of our people here at Marvel.”
While Cassaday never worked directly on a Marvel Studios production, his cinematic look clearly influenced the look and feel of the MCU. It’s nice to have Feige weigh in on Cassaday and his legacy, despite the lack of direct connection.
The two others who weigh in are Dan Buckley, President, Marvel Comics & Franchises, and C.B. Cebulski, Editor in Chief, Marvel Comics. In fact, these quotes were previously published on Marvel.com on September 27, alongside other quotes not included in the printed tribute.
That said, check out Cebulski and Buckley’s quotes below, or in Marvel Comics publishing this week:
“John is one of the defining creative voices of his generation, whose work will be celebrated for years to come. His artistic and design skills were unparalleled, and he moved into otherworldly when you took in his ability to tell a story visually. With all that being said, he was simply a great guy who enjoyed a great meal and a quiet conversation. I will miss John dearly, and I consider myself lucky to have been his friend.” – Dan Buckley
“John approached his art in the same way he did everything in life: fearlessly. It’s what made him so good at what he did. From the soft touch needed on certain lines, to the bold bravado of the shots he often chose, John made every page better by putting 100% of himself into every composition and character. His comics truly embody his spirit, and while he’s left us far too early, his legacy will live forever in these stories that he loved telling.” – C.B. Cebulski
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