EXTRACTS: Brian Bolland (illustrators special issue) © 2019 Book Palace Books (144 PAGES in Full edition)

1 BRIAN BOLLAND SPECIAL ISSUE CONTENTS EDITORIAL There are a few illustrators whose work is so compelling that you can recall the moment you first encountered their art. BrianBolland is just such an artist—his powerful andmeticulously rendered imagery has seared itself into the subconscious of generations of comic book fans. His iconic cover art, and masterly renditions of Judge Dredd and Batman have garnered legions of fans the world over. Myown introduction to theworkof Brian, was in1977, via anephewofminewhowas in receipt of a weekly injection of science-fiction fuelled comics via a publication going under the (for then) futuristic moniker of 2000AD. The comic was printed on cheap paper and featured covers and centre-spreads in crudely applied colour separations. In terms of production values, it was at the lower end of the scale, but in terms of quality of content it was off the register—really inventivewriting and artwork, the bulk of it supplied by artists that were young and original. For me, one of the most impressive artists of an already glittering array of talent, was Brian Bolland. His art seemed to combine the best of the silver age DCComics—expressive and anatomically convincing figures, beautifully rendered with powerful composition and a truly atmospheric handling of light—art to blow you away! Yet, despite all the well-deserved accolades, Brian remains a delightfully self-effacing and down to earth guy. His work speaks for itself but, with all great art, the dedicated fan findshimself asking, "Howdid it all come about andwho is themanbehind these amazing creations?" In pursuit of these questions, we are deeply honoured to have secured Brian's co-operation in the production of one of ourmost ambitious Illustrators Specials to date. This issue has been enriched by Brian's reminiscences and unstinting assistance with the sourcing ofmany superb examples of his amazing art, including hitherto unpublished working drawings and sketches. In addition we must also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chris Caira, who not only supplied us with scans of stunning examples of many of Brian's key works, as well as artworks that were created as "one offs" for Chris. In addition Chris also included some fascinating insights into his experiences assisting Brian on the convention circuit whichwe are delighted to share with you. We also owe a debt of thanks to JosephMelchior and Peter Sullivan for their helpwith supplying scans of some truly stellar examples of Brian's art as well as Heritage Auctions for, once again, allowing us access to some mouthwatering scans from their massive inventory. Special thanksmust go toPaulHudson for supplyingawonderful reminiscence concerning an earlier appearance of the 'Bolland Joker'. Lastly we would like to thank you dear reader for continuing to share the journey with us as we shed light on some of themost exciting artworks the world has ever seen. The opinions expressed in illustrators are those of the writers, and are not necessarily those of the editor and publishers. The accuracy of the authentication of all images is the responsibility of the contributors. The First Bolland Joker ? Paul Hudson recalls the time he commissioned Brian to produce an illustration of the Joker some eight years before 'The Killing Joke'. 144 Cover Image: Brian Bolland Illustrators The Book Palace Jubilee House Bedwardine Road Crystal Palace London SE19 3AP Email: IQ@bookpalace.com Web: www.bookpalace.com Contact GW: gw@bookpalace.com Tel: 020 8768 0022 (From overseas +44 20 8768 0022 ) Publisher: Geoff West Editor & Art Director: Peter Richardson Consultant Editors: David Ashford, Norman Boyd. Alan Richardson Featured Writers: Peter Richardson, Brian Bolland, Chris Caira, Paul Hudson Website: Paul Tanner Subscriptions & Distribution: David Howarth Advertising: IQ@bookpalace.com illustrators ISBN 9781907081842 ISSN 2052-6520 Special Issue 6 Published December 2019 Copyright © 2019 by The Book Palace Ltd. All text and artwork copyright is vested with the respective creators and publishers. None of the material within these pages may be reproduced without the written consent of illustrators or the aforementioned copyright holders. The images reproduced within these pages are for research purposes and all efforts have been made to ensure their historical accuracy. Illustrators is published quarterly Back issues £20 each plus postage 4 issue subscriptions UK £55 POST FREE includes 4 free digital issues EU/USA £70 POST FREE includes 4 free digital issues ROW £75 POST FREE includes 4 free digital issues Available in the USA from budplant.com Trade Orders : IQ@bookpalace.com Printed in China by Prolong Press Ltd 4 Interview with Brian Bolland Peter Richardson talks to one of the UK's most stellar comic creators about his life and art.