In the course of interviewing a supposed spiritualist/medium, a sleazy, cynical television talk-show host mockingly follows her instructions for channeling a spirit, and becomes possessed by something really nasty. Such a simple story puts the burden of delivering a worthwhile experience on the artist--but also gives him lots of room to swing for the fences with spreads and splashes and jazzy compositions.
I'd say
Shane Oakley certainly rises to the occasion. He brings a distinctive style to his art, which means it will be more a matter of taste than something more strictly realistic, but you should be able to tell from the sample scans here whether it's your cup of tea. It's definitely mine!
I
first became acquainted with Oakley's work via sketches on his blog, and having read a few of his comics, I'm inclined to say his sketches are where his strengths shine brightest. With crisp economy, he evokes a world at the intersection of classic horror,
film noir, and (in the
apt words of fellow artist
Paul Harrison-Davies) "stylish fashion type illustration." He really should be drawing stories that nail this sweet spot. I'd be very interested to see what he'd come up with as the sole creator of an original graphic novel, or if he at least worked closely with a writer to weave the narrative strands suggested by some of his sketches together into a solid, engaging story.
Channel Evil actually comes pretty close. At least it lets him go to his strengths, if it doesn't quite play to them directly. Of the comics I've read by him, it does appear to be the best fit so far, and he certainly seems to warm to the material. Here's looking forward to the second issue, and whatever else comes next! Recommended!
In the course of interviewing a supposed spiritualist/medium, a sleazy, cynical television talk-show host mockingly follows her instructions for channeling a spirit, and becomes possessed by something really nasty. Such a simple story puts the burden of delivering a worthwhile experience on the artist--but also gives him lots of room to swing for the fences with spreads and splashes and jazzy compositions.
I'd say Shane Oakley certainly rises to the occasion. He brings a distinctive style to his art, which means it will be more a matter of taste than something more strictly realistic, but you should be able to tell from the sample scans here whether it's your cup of tea. It's definitely mine!
I first became acquainted with Oakley's work via sketches on his blog, and having read a few of his comics, I'm inclined to say his sketches are where his strengths shine brightest. With crisp economy, he evokes a world at the intersection of classic horror, film noir, and (in the apt words of fellow artist Paul Harrison-Davies) "stylish fashion type illustration." He really should be drawing stories that nail this sweet spot. I'd be very interested to see what he'd come up with as the sole creator of an original graphic novel, or if he at least worked closely with a writer to weave the narrative strands suggested by some of his sketches together into a solid, engaging story. Channel Evil actually comes pretty close. At least it lets him go to his strengths, if it doesn't quite play to them directly. Of the comics I've read by him, it does appear to be the best fit so far, and he certainly seems to warm to the material. Here's looking forward to the second issue, and whatever else comes next! Recommended!
1 comments:
I agree that Shane's work is an acquired taste-one which i happen to enjoy-and this does look very cool- but i'd also love to see the lad just let loose his Id on a self created project-in the horror vein,i suggest...;o)
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