John Buscema - Savage Sword of Conan 16 Page 4
Artists: John Buscema (Penciller) , Alfredo Alcala (Inker) , Roy Thomas (Writer)
8 Comments - 350 Views - 3 Likes
Artwork Details
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Description"People of the Black Circle" is one of the longest and, arguably, one of the very best stories imagined by R.E. Howard for Conan. Among the many graphic adaptations, I also rank this one among the very best...With 100+ pages published in 4 consecutive issues of "Savage Sword of Conan", it stands as a very coherent body of work, no small thanks to the intricate storyline and richly displayed characters, all-strong-willed, full of passions and conflicting interests... Roy Thomas' adaptation is, of course, stellar and leaves ample space for spectacular artwork by John Buscema and Alfredo Alcala. I don't think it's necessary to reassess the sheer brilliance of John Buscema's talent, but, on this page, the way he manages to depict what is basically a conversation between 2 secondary characters (soon-to-be prime movers of the story) is dazzling. The switch of angles, the changing perspectives, the body attitudes... Everything in the composition is tension-filled and makes it clear that Kerim Shah and Khemsa are but allies by circumstance... Obviously, the Vendhya settings also allow for lush, exotic clothings, surroundings and decorations, so far removed from super-heroes that Big John certainly had some fun giving his all into it. But, the riches don't stop there, because here, comes Alfredo Alcala in full illustative mode! I have to admit this is what floored me most with this page! The intricate ink line work adds an incredible density, from the close-ups (including the twisted hand on Panel 4, mirroring the one on Page 3), to the depth of the panoramic Panel 1 with every detail highlighted, but blended into a perfectly-composed perspective. Alfredo Alcala had never made mystery of his admiration for the likes of Franklin Booth. I have to say that, in this school of influence, I only see Berni Wrightson doing as well! Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Davide G.
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 7/22/2023
Always loved this combo. Congrats on this beautiful page!
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 7/22/2023
Davide G. wrote:
Always loved this combo. Congrats on this beautiful page!
Thanks Davide! Same for me: the Buscema/Alcala team was certainly moving beyond then-prevailing Comic Book territory here... Anyway, it certainly struck a chord...
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
Posted on 7/22/2023
Will K wrote:
Alcala's masterful contrast on full display !!
Thanks Will! I already had a Buscema/Alcala Conan page, but I was still looking for a more spectacular display of their joint talents. Needless to say I am not disappointed!
steve staszower 
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 7/22/2023
This is a gorgeous page and I came *this* close to bidding on it. I love your description and I especially appreciate that you mentioned Booth and Wrightson - to me, they, together with Alcala, form the Holy Trinity of this "etching" style of art. It makes me so happy to see this work of art (and its sister page) in the collection of someone who really "gets" it.
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 7/22/2023
steve staszower wrote:
This is a gorgeous page and I came *this* close to bidding on it. I love your description and I especially appreciate that you mentioned Booth and Wrightson - to me, they, together with Alcala, form the Holy Trinity of this "etching" style of art. It makes me so happy to see this work of art (and its sister page) in the collection of someone who really "gets" it.
Thanks Steve for your comment... and for having let me grab this fine pair of pages! You're right, I am particularly attracted to this "etching" style that givres so much depth to Black & White art. I'm sure Alfredo Alcala loved doing this!
Red Raven
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 8/6/2023
Belle pièce bien détaillé par le maître J. Buscema, c'est magique !!
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
Posted on 8/16/2023
Red Raven wrote:
Belle pièce bien détaillé par le maître J. Buscema, c'est magique !!
Merci Adom ! Je ne m'en lasse pas, c'est vrai !
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