Creating Comics!

Job:05-19413 Title:Creating Comics

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Creative Process

When I’m given a commercial assignment, the first thing I do is

figure out a storytelling context for the work. I define or pick out

the pertinent, relevant, and then most dramatic—in that order—

storytelling elements for any given piece. Then I create a mental

visualization that incorporates as many of those elements as

effectively as possible.

I don’t tend to think in terms of layout or design in particular.

Some people find that strange and unusual. Layout and design

must come naturally to me, because I don’t consciously make

that effort in my head. It just happens. In the course of laying out

the drawing, I also define the prerequisites of all the storytell-

ing elements—what needs to be highlighted, what needs to be

focused on, and all the production aspects of a particular piece of

artwork are precipitated by that effort.

W

riter and artist Michael Golden, cocreator of

Rogue of X-Men, has legions of devotees

composed not only of fans, but other artists

as well. Known for his detailed pencil work on The ’Nam,

Micronauts, G.I. Joe, and Dr. Strange, among others,

Golden never admits to a personal favorite project, but

according to one collector, “Everybody in the business has

been influenced by Dr. Strange #55.” Most artists who

say that Golden had an impact on their illustration career

single out that issue.

Other milestones include the creation of Bucky O’Hare

with Larry Hama, which led to an animated series and a

toy line designed by Golden. The comic has been optioned

for film by Continuity Studios.

As a cover artist, Golden has penciled everything from

Batman and Captain America to Vampirella. Currently

finishing Spartan for Image Comics, which he is also writ-

ing, and a personal project, Tunuki, Golden is constantly

breaking new ground with creations that stay as fresh and

exciting as ever.

Michael Golden

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Creating Comics

Job:05-19413 Title:Creating Comics

#175 P DTP:204 Page:52

(RAY)

001-059_19413.indd 52 5/25/10 6:46:43 PM

Job:05-19413 Title:Creating Comics

#175 P DTP:204 Page:53

(RAY)

001-059_19413.indd 53

5/25/10 6:55:31 PM

(Text)

Creative Process

When I’m given a commercial assignment, the first thing I do is

figure out a storytelling context for the work. I define or pick out

the pertinent, relevant, and then most dramatic—in that order—

storytelling elements for any given piece. Then I create a mental

visualization that incorporates as many of those elements as

effectively as possible.

I don’t tend to think in terms of layout or design in particular.

Some people find that strange and unusual. Layout and design

must come naturally to me, because I don’t consciously make

that effort in my head. It just happens. In the course of laying out

the drawing, I also define the prerequisites of all the storytell-

ing elements—what needs to be highlighted, what needs to be

focused on, and all the production aspects of a particular piece of

artwork are precipitated by that effort.

Part and parcel of this process, I pay attention to any particulars

of copy elements, trade dress, or editorial/client priorities that

need to be addressed in the work. For instance, Rogue of X-Men

would have to wear a certain costume, and Spider-Man has a

certain chest insignia. But the layout, the rendering, and the color

are all used to define the storytelling elements. That is what is key

to me as the architect of the piece.

Title: Vigilante 2

Client: Wildstorm Publishing

Medium: Pencils, inks, Photoshop

Other milestones include the creation of Bucky O’Hare

with Larry Hama, which led to an animated series and a

toy line designed by Golden. The comic has been optioned

for film by Continuity Studios.

As a cover artist, Golden has penciled everything from

Batman and Captain America to Vampirella. Currently

finishing Spartan for Image Comics, which he is also writ-

ing, and a personal project, Tunuki, Golden is constantly

breaking new ground with creations that stay as fresh and

exciting as ever.

Michael Golden

53

Michael Golden

Job:05-19413 Title:Creating Comics

#175 P DTP:204 Page:53

(RAY)

001-059_19413.indd 53 5/25/10 6:46:43 PM