I jumped on the
Bone bandwagon with issue #11 when I was about 15.
Bone was a breath of fresh air compared to the grim and gritty books the Big Two and Image were pumping out at the time, which is why I think it became so successful (and of course the art and story were unique and superb), to which Jeff agreed with me. Jeff admitted to me that the book debuted at perfect timing. I forget that
Bone is a quarter century old because it's timeless.
To the disappointment of many fans, Jeff Smith's art is hard to find, most of which has been donated to The Ohio State University's Cartoon Research Library. Luckily, Jeff is very liberal with sketching for his fans. This example is a more deliberately drawn Fone Bone (with Ted the Bug) in India ink than usual. Until one of those Bone commission-quality pieces come up for auction, this one fits the bill.
After 25 years of con appearances, Jeff is still a well-ground, fan-friendly and stand-up guy.
Also of note, I've included a photo of Jeff's recreation of Bone that he drew at age 5, Yes, Bone is that old.
Here is a
sketching session of Jeff drawing Phoney and Fone Bone with a surprise character at the Texas Book Festival.
Artwork created at the Texas Book Festival in Austin, TX on October 27, 2018.
India ink on Strathmore Bristol board.
9" x 12"
