It was my good fortune to catch up with artist Robin Riggs at the Big Apple Comic Con this past weekend and look at the original art for his new comic from IDW, Sir Apropos Of Nothing.
I've always known Robin as a highly-skilled inker, but only recently discovered that he is an excellent penciller as well. It just goes to show: I think the best inkers are the ones who bring an unique and vibrant style of their own to the pencils they work over, and this is because they are talented illustrators in their own right.
(Now, I understand that some pencillers get a little annoyed when certain inkers "overwhelm" their work with their own style. And some pencillers actually welcome it as the combination can be quite successful. I've never seen Robin's work "take over" the pencils he's working over. But they have always been a tremendous asset, adding depth and refinement.)
Anyway, it's good to see Robin get a chance to pencil as well as ink Sir Apropos Of Nothing (oh, and we should mention that it's written by Mr. Peter David! based on his successful novels featuring the character!). He is a classic illustrator in the mold of David Lloyd and Tim Truman. In some respects, Sir Apropos seems like a love letter to the very best comics from the 80s produced by DC and indie companies like First. This influence extends all the way to the palette used, pastels and a watercolory feel.
It is my hope that unique and well-produced projects like this are supported by the public. IDW produces comics in a variety of genres that, while perhaps not a replacement for DC and Marvel's offerings, are most certainly a very welcome and necessary supplement.
If you feel "left behind" by some of the new comics out there, and want to be introduced to some new worlds and "mythologies," I suggest you give some of IDW's books, like Sir Apropos of Nothing, FX, and Locke & Key, a try.
