Bolt Special 1 cover by Steve Lightle
Artist: Steve Lightle (All)
10 Comments - 1,399 Views - 5 Likes
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DescriptionSteve Lightle got his first professional work in 1984 at AC Comics, almost concurrently to his work at DC.While he drew 2-3 covers for AC before this one (some unpublished), they were (quite aptly) inked by Jerry Ordway. This Bolt Special cover is notable for being the first published (pro) cover on which Steve inked himself. And for me that says it all as Steve was his best inker by far. Steve would join the Legion of Super-Heroes later that year to produce his legendary (if too short by everyone’s admission) run. Well, for me this cover is unarguably LSH quality level. In fact, one could argue that Bolt was a warm up for Wildfire and that this Tara girl certainly bears some similarities with Shadow Lass. I love everything about this piece. Bolt is calmly walking towards her, sure of his power while she seems petrified with fear. The difference between them and their stances creates such tension within the scene. Steve drew radiating/energy bolts particularly well. Bolt’s steps being on fire are a nice touch as well which is consistent with a being radiating energy. Tara is super sexy without being vulgar. Her body language suggests she is not just a typical alien/jungle girl. And look at the surroundings. That vegetation is luxurious and frames the two characters perfectly. It’s super detailed but is does not hinder the viewer’s eye. Then we have Steve's mastery at shadows & light through his (oh so) lush inks. It’s a cover but, to me, this is storytelling at its finest. I remember being delighted as a young adult finding this rarity in the back issues boxes to add to my Lightle comic book collection. Now I own this splendid cover which I share with you to honor his artistic memory and the life of a comic enthusiast turned incredible artist and splendid, uncompromising storyteller. Long live Steve Lightle’s sublime body of work and thank you, Sir, for all the beautiful drawings you graced us with. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Ruben DaCollector 
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 1/10/2021
Wow, so cool, Fred! One of my favourite artists of the 80's, an I have to b honest, I never saw this one back in those days! So cool to discover it for the first time via the original art. Fantastic, man, congratulations!
Fred Bronaugh
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 1/10/2021
Thank you for sharing this. HIs art was wonderful
J H
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 1/11/2021
I do see what you're seeing on this cover. It has a LSH warm up feel. Beautiful work from a talent that will be missed. Thank you for sharing, and for the great write-up. Congrats!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 1/15/2021
RIP Steve Lightle. I'm not familar with his work but this is absolutely a great looking piece and your description definitely increases my appreciation. Congrats, man.
Miki Annamanthadoo
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 5/9/2021
Big fan of Steve Lightle's work! And this is an exceptional piece.
Michael McIsaac
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 10/7/2021
Wonderful cover by one of the best cover artists of his generation. The only complaint that I ever had about Lightle's art is that I wanted more of it.
Mark V
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 1/13/2022
I remember seeing this memorable piece as an ad in an old issue of a comics fanzine--could have been Amazing Heroes or something similar. Lightle was so good so early in his career.
Doctor Fantastic
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 4/21/2022
Steve was a wonderful human being, and an amazing artist! Congrats!
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