Yeah, yeah! I know I should be updating this blog with my own material. But, I couldn't help it since I recently got my hands on a copy of Travis Charest's 'Spacegirl' collection (courtesy of the good folk over at Stuart Ng Books! Thanks!).
I've been regularly following Mr. Charest's career ever since seeing his work pop up at Marvel and then Image. I think I started to enjoy his work even more when I noticed his work evolve drastically with his run on WildC.A.T.s. His work was the only reason I picked up that dreadful series to begin with. To be honest, he was the only guy who came out of that era (in my opinion) that seemed to go anywhere. As apparent also with the release of WildC.A.T.s and X-Men and the new WildC.A.T.s series (which he lasted a few issues on before 'disappearing.').
I definitely admired and respected his evolution as a comic book artist. You can tell he was pushing himself. Gone were his signature 'Jim Lee clone' look from his early career. Now it's Travis Charest's own signature. And, like any artist who garners some huge popularity, I see some Charest clones in some comics these days too.
That's why I kept with Mr. Charest's work. While you have all these other artists continually stuck as your 'Liefeld clones, your Silvestri clones (funny, because Mr. Silvestri has become a Lee clone himself now), and of course, the Jim Lee clones. Mr. Charest has moved on and established himself as his own entity. And that is difficult in an industry (like any industry) where everyone wants to be the guy or gal that is the most popular.
I love my comic books. I love the images being put out. What I love even more is when you see someone with their own distinct personality on the pages you hold in your hands. That's why I enjoy the works of such greats as your Charests, your Adam Hughes, your Michael Kalutas, your Mike Mignolas, your...you get the point!
Oh, yes! Spacegirl, Volume 1! If you can find a copy of it, you should make it a priority to pick it up! It's entertaining and enjoyable work from Mr. Charest! I've been wondering what he's been up to and to see this collection, it's clear what he's pouring blood, sweat and tears over for the past, oh, I don't know how many years! As for me, I'm in complete awe of what I have. I can't begin to express how impatient I am to wait for Volume 2!
If you're a fan of Mr. Charest as well, you know it's essential to your library! If you don't know where to get it, you can start here with the good folks at Stuart Ng books! They have a incredible selection of other amazing artists whom I am also in complete fanboy awe of!
http://www.stuartngbooks.com/You can also view the next chapter of Spacegirl over at the Travis Charest groups at MSN!
http://groups.msn.com/TravisCharest/_whatsnew.msnwAs for me, my ass should be going back to the drawing board!
