Monday 1 October 2012

When I think MC2 I think...

What comes to mind when I think MC2? The obvious answer would be "Spider-Girl," but that's not what I mean. At the core of MC2's foundations I have a select group of creative types in mind. The pillars of this alternative world, if you will. So, who are they? Hold on, wait a minute and I'll tell you!

Tom Defalco

The most obvious choice. With every MC2 issue (barring a half dozen) under his writer's belt (I imagine all writers have special belts with pen attachments) it's impossible for me to picture a world without him. Tom's the best kind of professional; he believes in storytelling rather than 'event' books, he is more than willing to take input from the art team and he loves pizza. I tell ya, they don't make them any better.

Ron Frenz

Ron's the go-to guy. You need a story done well, delivered on time and with a great energy to it? Ron's your guy. He and Tom have (by my estimation) written/pencilled/plotted at least a third of the contents of my comic collection. It's not by chance. I started picking up back issues of Tom and Ron's Thor run without even knowing they were the creative team (I was young). Something about their general vibe has always made me crave the next issue. The sheer love and joy they pour into ever panel of every page is infectious in the best possible way.

Pat Olliffe

What do I say about Pat? He's the first artist I ever saw draw May 'Mayday' Parker. He's the guy who showed that there was a dignified and respectful way to draw women in skin-tight outfits swinging on weblines as thin as cotton thread. Pat defined Spider-Girl. Ron created her, but Pat defined her look and, to me, made her his own. Also, and this may be crazy, but I can't help but think MC2 Peter Parker bares a striking resemblance to Pat....





Sal Buscema and Al Williamson

I wouldn't be much of a fan if I didn't mention these two legends. With Ron and Pat, these two gentlemen are responsible for the lion's share of inking duties throughout the MC2. By contrast, I further appreciate these two; Al's thin rounded lines versus Sal's bold lines and thick shades, I love them both. I learned so much from their work.

Ron Lim and Todd Nauck

Ron Lim worked on J2, Wild Thing, Avengers Next and the Fantastic Five mini series. Todd Nauck pencilled the American Dream mini series. Why are they on this list? Because both their styles feel right for MC2. And because they rock, of course. Cartoon-y, superhero action and adventure in the mighty MC2 way? Yes, please.

Again, this list is just my personal favorites, so if I missed your favorite, feel free to give them a shout out in the comments. Hey, maybe I've missed someone. I may don another one of these, covering the other side of the books: The Editors!