J David Spurlock

John Buscema Sketchbook

Author of the instructional volume "How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way", John Buscema is a highly-regarded comic-book illustrator. He has influenced several generations of artists and remains, even in semi-retirement, in demand. He was born on 11 December 1927 in Brooklyn, New York, where his earliest artistic influences were Hal Foster's "Prince Valiant", Alex Raymond's "Flash Gordon", and Burne Hogarth's "Tarzan" newspaper adventure strips. Buscema attended the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan where his interest shifted to fine art and Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh. While still in high school, he spent evenings studying life drawing and design at Pratt Institute. In addition to his formal training, he frequented museums, assaying the works of the Old Masters, including Michaelangelo, Rubens, Da Vinci, and Raphael. As a young professional, he was influenced by Al Dorne, Dean Cornwell, Norman Rockwell and Robert Fawcett, the famous illustrators of the 1940s and 1950s. During that period, as he struggled to earn a living, he turned to the newly-emerging comic-book industry as a source of revenue. Buscema began his career at Marvel (then known as Timely) Comics in 1948, working side by side with many notable artists, including Syd Shores, of "Captain America" fame, and Carl Burgos, creator of "The Human Torch". He stayed on staff for a year and a half, afterward, freelancing for a variety of publishers. This sketchbook presents a collection of the artist's personal drawings and studies. Done for his own enjoyment, practice or self-expression, the art offers an appreciation of his draftsmanship and creativity on a variety of subjects. The accompanying text by Buscema addresses both his career and his technique. There is also an essay by Steranko covering Buscema's entire career.