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17) Mark Wheatley over Wrightson

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Artwork Details

Title:	17) Mark Wheatley over Wrightson
Artist:	None Specified
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Interior Page
For Sale Status:
Views:	24
Likes on CAF:	0 1
Comments:	1
Added to Site:	1/3/2026
Comic Art Archive:

Description

Well this is a story that is much more complex that I care to write and I doubt YOU are interested in reading. But the short version is this:
1) I am a LOOOONG time fan of Jonny Quest
2) The Comico publishing company did a fantastic JQ run that I loved. The series ran from 1986-1988. It honored the original cartoon series while also advancing the story along
2.5) Many (not all) were wonderfully written by William Messner-Loebs, pencilled by Mark Hempel, and inked by Mark Wheatley
3) I looked forever trying to find some original art and finally found someone selling entire issues, covers, lettering...the whole works for many of the books. I purchased 3 complete cover-to-cover books and a few additional pages. A dream come true. They were my person gems of my collection.
4) Many years later, I read that the art from those pages/books that I purchased had been stolen.
5) After thinking about running to Mexico with my prized positions, I instead reached out to Mark Wheatly. He explained what had happened and how they came to be stolen without his knowing and then how he and Marc were trying to track down the art.
6) I shared with him what I had and how I come to get them. And then turned over all but a few pieces he agreed I could keep. I didn't gain a dime back but instead gained a new friend in Mark (Wheatley). AND... he did this inking job for me as a thank you. And the included some additional goodies.

As I have come to enjoy asking the artist a few questions, Mark kindly responded. Here it is:
(ME) I've seen several different styles of your work. From what I would call "Classic cartoon" to "Art deco-ish". To me, this almost has a wood-cut feel with the stark blacks and whites. What word or term would you use for the style you used here?

(MW) I was aiming to stay true to Wrightson�s vibe. So, a classic rendering influenced by Booth and Coll. I worked with a brush, because Bernie often inked with a brush. I probably come closer to Wrightson with pen, as I�ve learned working on multiple book illustration projects over the past year.

ME) You had indicated that this has become your style in recent years. What is it that drew you (no pun intended) to this style?

(MW) I am a student of classic illustration. I have an extensive collection of the works of golden age illustrators. My big influences would be NC Wyeth, Joesph Clemment Coll, Dan Smith, and so many from the Pyle, Gibson and Gruger schools.

ME) I am totally pulled in and captivated by the Superman and Wonder Woman images on this piece. And the heaviness of the sky is so interesting. Are there any specific aspects of the piece you are especially pleased with the way it came out?

(MW) I�m generally happy with the piece. I had plenty of time to think about Bernie while I was working on it. He was a great guy. I treasure the time we were able to spend together and the few dinners we shared.

ME) I know this was a while ago that you did this, but... do you remember if there was anything you found difficult about doing the commission? And/or was there anything you found fun doing?

(MW) The challenge was to first, complete the drawing. Tightening the drawing, while maintaining the Wrightson DNA was very important to me. The figures were not fully worked out and he had no indications of elaborate tonal work. That�s fine for a comic page. But to stand as an illustration, I had to bring more to the piece than a simple inking.

ME) You were SO kind to send some prints along with this commission. I just LOVED (and am planning to frame) the "Schneewittchen" piece and the "Elegant Dejah" piece. Dude... the style and the colors...perfect! Is this the type of art you enjoy creating? Or is there some other type of art you are focused on creating?

(MW) Yes, those prints were part of the NUCLEUS X package. I love to paint. I have a profound emotional response to color. But color only works if the tonal values are correct. And that�s what working in black and white requires. I enjoy it all. Ideally I like to balance a mix of the two. But this past year has been 98% line art. I�ve illustrated 4 books in the past 6 months with nearly 40 illustrations. Except for one cover, it has all been line art. But now I�m working on a board game, which is a huge painting. And I have 7 book covers lined up. So, plenty of variety and a lot to keep me busy.

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About the Owner

	Dwayne Dush
Joined:	August 2007
Last Login:	January 2026
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Dwayne's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 1/3/2026

Wheatley was definitely not afraid to put his own imprint over the Wrightson layouts. You can tell from the changes made and the details that make this look more heroic than spooky.

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