Alex Nino - "Drinkers of Dust" (Fantagor Press 1989)

"Drinkers of Dust," drawn by the legendary Alex Nino (Philippines 1940 -  ) and written by Jan Strnad, was published as a backup feature in Richard Corben's Den #8 in 1989.  Nino is well known for his striking black and white ink work, but "Dust" shows off his highly individualistic approach to color as well.  Nino has a wild, impressionistic palette here, and rather than using his trademark black ink at all times, he leaves a surprising amount of the rendering and modelling to the color work.  

Charles Vess - "Cry of the Wendigo" (Amazing Spiderman #277, Marvel Comics 1986)

In 1986, Charles Vess (American 1951 -  ) wrote and drew an unusual backup feature for Amazing Spiderman #277 (maybe most unusual was that this backup was 2 pages longer than the main story.  I'm assuming there was a deadline glitch that led to its existence).  Vess was more a part of the Heavy Metal/Epic Illustrated scene, and his mainstream superhero interior work is rare.  Stylistically, Vess' work here stands out among the other Marvel artists of the time with his delicate lines and the dynamics of Spiderman's black suit against the stark white snowy background.  This story led to Vess' fully painted Spiderman: Spirits of the Earth graphic novel in 1990.

Kent Williams - "Lost Bones" (Epic Illustrated 1983)

Here is an early story from Kent Williams (American 1962-   ) from the pages of Epic Illustrated in 1983.  Williams was still a student at Pratt Institute when he drew "Lost Bones," and there is little if any trace of his signature painting style that would soon dominate his future work.  Here, a young Williams is still feeling his way, experimenting with mixing pen and ink with bold painted backgrounds in a style reminiscent of Arthur Suydam.  Within a few years, Williams would team up with J.M. DeMatteis in Epic Illustrated with Blood: A Tale where his fully painted art would establish him as one of the most original illustrators in comics.

Caza - The Bird of Dust ( Heavy Metal 1977)

another entry from Caza (French 1941-  ).  Caza's style here is very different from "The Fall of the Towers."  This focuses purely on his stunning figure work, tightly controlled compositions, and masterful inks.  jaw dropping work.

Moebius - "Arzach" (Metal Hurlant 1975)

Jean "Moebius" Giraud (French 1938-2012) is one of the great visionaries in art history, not limited to the world of comics.  few others have ever been able to plunge as far into their creative subconscious and translate their visions so successfully through their hand onto paper.  he produced thousands of pieces of art throughout his career, and each and every one of them stand as a humbling lesson from a great master.

in 1975, Moebius helped found the legendary French alternative comic magazine Metal Hurlant ("Screaming Metal," later published in America as Heavy Metal), ushering in a new era of international creativity in comics.  the surreal science fiction "Arzach" debuted in 1975, and became one of Moebius' most famous creations.

 he produced four 8-page full color wordless stories, a black and white silent 2-pager, and later, 1n 1987, an 8-page full color story with accompanying narration and dialogue.  collectively, these are all known as "Arzach," even though Moebius curiously messed with the spelling for each individual sequence.

ARZACH

HARZAK

ARZAK

HARZAKC

HARZACKC

LEGEND OF ARZACH