It is a point of semi-morbid pride when my twitter feed erupts in emotion over the latest arc of Unsounded, a comic whose writing and art is really just some of the best I’ve ever seen. I am immensely happy when I see that people I’ve directed to this wonderful comic are enjoying it as much as I am. Ashley Cope has been a very good friend to me, her art style is one I adore and I have every desire to see her succeed.
Which is why I backed her Kickstarter and advised other people to do so.
Suffice to say, when it comes to artists I love, I permit myself to be more enthusiastic than normal.
I’ve always had the fantasy of being a patron of the arts. You know, one of those wealthy Renaissance-era nobles who lavishes money on long-suffering artists while pounding powdered fist into oiled palm and shrieking so hard that it makes the quill in their hat quiver: “More! MORE EMOTION ON THAT BOWL OF FRUIT!”
But, as I am a humble fantasy author who is not so fabulously wealthy as to afford a quill in his hat, I relegate myself to championing artists who draw stuff more interesting than bowls of fruit.
Artists like Edwin Huang.
I first noticed Edwin’s work when I discovered Skullkickers, by the supremely talented Jim Zub. The story of a semi-comedic band of maladjusted adventurers on a quest for loot at the cost of their own dignity–frequently involving tentacled monsters–appeals to me for reasons that should be obvious to anyone who has ever read my books, even without Edwin’s supremely great art illustrating it.
But really, Edwin’s art is something special. I rarely see lines so clean that can be so expressive. I rarely see action conveyed so clearly through something that looks so elegant. And I rarely re-read comics just for the art so I can go “damn, that is actually pretty kickass.”
But Edwin’s that kind of artist.
Which is why I was very happy to back his Kickstarter campaign to produce an art book and guide to character study. And, given the fact that he met his initial goal in under three days, I gather I wasn’t the only one. And since he’s decided to put up some supremely awesome stretch goals, I’m very happy to present his work to you, my readers, and urge you to take a look and donate to a very talented artist.
Granted, I’ve only backed two Kickstarters publicly so far, and they’ve both been artists. There are a few reasons for this.
For one, if it wasn’t clear, I’m a total nerd for fancy art (especially ones of my characters).
But for another, less selfish reason, I know it’s freakin’ tough being an artist. This I learned by working with Michael Lee Lunsford, the greatly talented artist responsible for the supremely awesome Lost Pages on my site. While the life of an author isn’t exactly easy, it’s slightly more predictable than a freelance artist’s. They don’t usually get advances, their steadiest work is always under threat of disappearing under their feet, and unlike authors, going to conventions to promote themselves isn’t so much a smart business move as something wildly necessary.
Existing chiefly on commissions and public interest as they do, I find it easy to want to help them out. I find it a lot easier when their art is so freaking awesome as Edwin’s, though.
So, for those of you who trusted my judgment on Unsounded and were supremely rewarded, give a look at Edwin’s upcoming book Rogues’ Gallery and see if you feel like kicking it some donations.
I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.