If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.
Image Comics boss Todd McFarlane says convention sketches are hiding some of comics’ best artwork
Spawn creator Todd McFarlane says a huge percentage of comic book art is never seen by the public, due to it being hoarded by fans
Popverse's top stories
Daniel Warren Johnson turned down DC's Absolute Batman for Transformers, and somehow everyone won
Oh yeah, Critical Role's Sam Riegel has considered playing a Kobold... and making an all-Kobold game
One of the best parts about comic conventions is artist alley. Not only do you get a chance to meet your favorite creators, but you can pay them to sketch or ink a custom piece of art (for a price). For creators, it’s a great way to connect with fans and earn some extra income. For fans, it’s a way to own an exclusive piece of artwork from one of your favorite creators. However, there is something about the practice that bothers Spawn creator Todd McFarlane.
“A lot of artists go to the shows and for the most part sit in artist alley, and they do these sketches,” Todd McFarlane says during a conversation with ComicPop Returns. “The only frustrating part of that is you do this beautiful drawing, and then one person gets to see it. And if they don’t show people it on Instagram or TikTok or wherever, it is a beautiful piece that is hidden.”
“One guy I just saw the other day, I was like, that is cool and horrifying at the same time. It was a guy who was a big David Finch fan. And I guess he must have followed David over the years and got sketches from him. And he had an entire wall framed of these staggeringly beautiful images. I was counting them up on the wall, and I was like, that is almost two comic books. That could’ve been two more comic books. Or do the commission for the person and then take a scan of it before so that somebody can use it as a cover later.”
McFarlane says that he scans his commissions before giving them to fans. This allows him to post them online later or use them as a variant cover. He hopes more creators follow his example, because there is so much great art that will never be seen. “I’m always horrified when I see stuff that isn’t getting a flashlight shown upon it and sunlight hitting it bright for all of us to see who are geeks for all these great talented people.”
Want to know what's coming up next in pop culture? Check out Popverse's guides to:
Follow Popverse for upcoming event coverage and news
Find out how we conduct our review by reading our review policy
Let Popverse be your tour guide through the wilderness of pop culture
Sign in and let us help you find your new favorite thing.
Comments
Want to join the discussion? Please activate your account first.
Visit Reedpop ID if you need to resend the confirmation email.