Artwork Details
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DescriptionI'm fond of characters (and artists) who never quite got their due. Case in point: Dakota North and her co-creator, Tony SalmonsDakota North (barely) made it to its fifth issue in 1986. The series was canceled due to poor sales and the character joined the supporting casts of multiple Marvel Comics titles and is probably still kicking around the dusty corners of the Marvel Universe. At the time, Dakota North stood out to me on the stands because it was so unlike other Marvel books at the time. She was a private investigator who took on cases in the world of high fashion. It was an engaging premise that was brought to life by the highly stylized art of Salmons, who threw in a dash of Emma Peel and Modesty Blaise in his depiction of Dakota. Like Dakota North, Salmons' artistic career has been spotty ever since, although at times he has delivered incredible artwork that synthesizes many different influences. To familiarize yourself with his work, I recommend reading the Vigilante miniseries he drew for DC in 1996 or his Batman Black and White story. Although he doesn't have a lot of sequential work to his credit, the work that he has produced has earned the respect and admiration of his peers. I also highly recommend this incredible 2012 interview with Tony conducted by Michel Fiffe: https://www.factualopinion.com/the_factual_opinion/2012/05/tony-salmons-interview-pt-1.html Social/Sharing |
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Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
2 - Posted on 4/22/2023
You don't see his name pop up often as he goes for long stretches without working on anything. Even people who run comics stores for decades didn't know the name. His contemporaries also know this and have often encouraged him to just keep drawing as far back as the '00s. When art shows up, it has a nice sense of cartooning that shows off the character in their best light.
F M
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/22/2023
Salmons is a fantastic artistic oddity.
(and I share your love for those).
Is this recent (as I remember him getting "troubles" with past commission lists).
Mark V
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 4/22/2023
F M wrote:
Salmons is a fantastic artistic oddity.
(and I share your love for those).
Is this recent (as I remember him getting "troubles" with past commission lists).
Yes, this is recent. Commissioned in December 2022. Took a little longer than first expected but Tony and his rep came through,
Comic Art Channel
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 4/22/2023
Definitely an interesting piece and artist. I've heard some interesting stories as well!
Chris Snorek
Member Since 2009
2 - Posted on 4/24/2023
I'm also in the vocal minority of Salmons fans. He is an artist's artist to be sure.
Mark V
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 4/24/2023
Chris Snorek wrote:
I'm also in the vocal minority of Salmons fans. He is an artist's artist to be sure.
Many thanks, Chris. If you know, you know!
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
2 - Posted on 4/24/2023
I wish you'd have requested to have her in mid-80's inspired clothing rather than a Black Widowesque outfit, but it's a nice looking piece nonetheless. I really loved Salmons' work when I first saw it in Marvel Fanfare. It was so different from what everyone else was doing in comics at that time. His Hulk story in particular was fabulous, a Kirby inspired pastiche, if you will. He then got some more notice with Dakota North, but primarily from other people in the business, as his artistic approach was far too illustrative and the series was reality based rather than superhero at a time when 99.9% of readers were going superhero crazy. It would've been interesting to see how his art would've progressed had he been able to do monthly work over a long period. Alas, we'll have to satisfy ourselves with the tiny body of work he did put out and cool commissions like this one.
Mark V
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 4/24/2023
Ruben DaCollector wrote:
I wish you'd have requested to have her in mid-80's inspired clothing rather than a Black Widowesque outfit, but it's a nice looking piece nonetheless. I really loved Salmons' work when I first saw it in Marvel Fanfare. It was so different from what everyone else was doing in comics at that time. His Hulk story in particular was fabulous, a Kirby inspired pastiche, if you will. He then got some more notice with Dakota North, but primarily from other people in the business, as his artistic approach was far too illustrative and the series was reality based rather than superhero at a time when 99.9% of readers were going superhero crazy. It would've been interesting to see how his art would've progressed had he been able to do monthly work over a long period. Alas, we'll have to satisfy ourselves with the tiny body of work he did put out and cool commissions like this one.
Tony doesn't always adhere to the brief but I kind of knew that going in.
Michael McIsaac
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 4/26/2023
I missed out on the Dakota North series when it first hit the stands, but picked it up a decade later and enjoyed it. Very cool image here by Salmons.
Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 5/2/2023
Very cool piece, Mark. A series I remember seeing in the 80's, but not one I ever read. Huh - very interesting story. Really like the style here, though, as well as the costume details (appreciate the unclipped strap on the holster!), lettering (and how it is incorporated into the design of the piece), and the choice of stance. I'm really glad Mr. Salmons came through for you and delivered a really solid commission! Congrats, Mark!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 10/7/2023
Dynamic pose and you gotta love the "BM" sound effect lettering drawn right on! Congrats!
Harry M
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 1/20/2025
Love Tony's more modern take on Dakota North. It was a great series that just didn't last long enough.
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