But Klaus says he uses photoreference as well -- so I don't think it's comparably harsh.

And I do think that what Neary does lacks a PoV, and what Ross does doesn't.

I'm not sure why I don't consider Ross photorealistic (since that's Janson's main beef), but Neary's work is, IMO.

Maybe Ross's photos are better? No, that's not it, either. The use (and I don't get the trace impression as strongly either) is a small part of what he does.

Ross' style overwhelms the photo-trace aspect. I don't blame any comic artist for photo-tracing (short deadlines, not paid enough to create original art for every frame on every page), but Rucka seems to try to stick close to the look of the source, mildly adapting for the context of the comic. Ross not only sets up his composition from the get-go, he works to make the art look Rossian. He adds dynamism, feeling, emotion, etc.

I'm about Rucka's level as an artist, and I know how far away from me Ross is.

(backing out of thread now since I had to give up comics last year)

I so didn't mean Neary in my post above -- I meant Greg Land.

Maybe Ross's photos are better? No, that's not it, either.

I think part of it is.... I remember in my art classes, the teachers talked about mirrors and photos not always working as subjects because they have a tendancy to flatten out the image, and it will show through in your drawing/painting.

Alex Ross seems to be consciously compensating for that effect. I know his images are photo-traces, but he's able to re-3-D-ify the photos, adding depth and sharpness to the image.

Gregs:

Rucka = writer, went to college with JZ. Responsible for OMAC, Wonder Woman, Adventures of Superman, half of Gotham Central, large portions of No Man's Land, Cry for Blood, and some other nifty stuff, including Queen and Country. Novelist, seems to have a thing for writing honest-to-L7 dykes, lives in Portland. I think I own all his novels save for Smoker. Writes women well, good first person voice.

Land: artist who lives by his lightbox.

Sorry, just had to clarify the Gregs. Like one, not too keen on the other, but would take Land over Leifeld any day.

That's what I get for typing while chatting with my guests. I'd clicked on ita's link, then kept googling for more of the artist's stuff, and then as I was working my reply the guests came in, so I was trying to do two things at once, when I suck at even doing one thing reliably.

(really leaving now)

Hey, Astounishing AND Serenity next week!

Also, it looks like the next new Powers isn't coming out 'til mid-September.

Also, it looks like the next new Powers isn't coming out 'til mid-September.

Oh yeah. Guess it *has* been a while.

The new comics list said that the originally scheduled release was in May.

Is Serenity a three or four issue series?