SDCC ’14: The Web’s Biggest (Superhero) Comic Book Artists
With the real world appearing a bit topsy-turvy and full of turmoil and strife, it makes sense that folks are seeking escape in fantastical tales of those whose entire existences revolve around saving the day in spectacular fashion. The fact remains, however, that while people far and wide do seem to to dig the comic book heroes when portrayed on the big (and now even small) screen, in the modern world it’s a more — shall we say — select crowd who enjoys going to the source for their recreational spills and thrills.
With the annual, and massively well-attended San Diego Comic-Con Internernational taking place this week, it seems a fine time for us visit this matter. While nominally a comic convention, it’s already well-known that comic books themselves are but one frankly small facet of what’s become a massive, sprawling, multimedia pop-culture festival.
But, to return the discussion to the source, and to be “pure” in our acknowledgement of this attention-grabbing event, we bring you this; an exploration of the niche concern from which the much more lucrative industry of 3D IMAX, “grown men gallivanting in tights” epics sprang forth. Here are 10 of the most widely respected and beloved living (mainstream, superhero) comic book artists.
As comic book fans can be a feisty bunch, we must stress that the order is based upon the artists’ PeekScores -– meaning the magnitude and depth of their varying degrees of impacts, presence, and influence in cyberspace -– and not upon their respective, relative qualities or talents as artists.
EXCELSIOR! And enjoy, True Believers!
| Rank | Picture | Name | Books | PeekScore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Frank Miller | Dark Knight Returns, Sin City, 300 | 8.57 / 10.00 |
| 2 |  |
Jim Lee | All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder, X-Men | 8.32 / 10.00 |
| 3 |  |
Alex Ross | Marvels, Kingdom Come | 8.30 / 10.00 |
| 4 |  |
John Byrne | Fantastic Four, X-Men | 8.20 / 10.00 |
| 5 |  |
Mike Mignola | Hellboy | 8.10 / 10.00 |
| 6 |  |
John Romita Jr. | Iron Man, Uncanny X-Men, Kick-Ass | 8.07 / 10.00 |
| 7 |  |
George Perez | Avengers, Teen Titans | 8.07 / 10.00 |
| 8 |  |
Neal Adams | Superman, Batman, Green Arrow | 8.01 / 10.00 |
| 9 |  |
J.H. Williams III | Chase, Desolation Jones, Batwoman | 8.01 / 10.00 |
| 10 |  |
Steve Ditko | Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Mr. A | 8.00 / 10.00 |