Location:PEARSON JASON Title: Witchblade 24 page 5 splash by Jason Pearson and Jason Martin* Artist:Jason Pearson (Penciller)
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Jason Martin (Inker)
Media Type: Pen and Ink Art Type: Splash Page For Sale Status: NFS Views: 1214 Likes on CAF:2425 Favorited on CAF:1 Comments:15 Added to Site: 1/21/2023
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Jason Pearson was the best. He was my best at least. And while I easily recognize that there are many artists more important than he was/is in the worldwide comic field, he was the one for me who generated the immediate (positive) gut reaction.
A true artist’s artist, having achieved enormous impact and influence through his Body Bags series and the true artistic heir to Michael Golden, both in style and storytelling abilities. Because Jason was a sublime stylist and exceptional storyteller, committed to his craft like few can pretend to be.
I struggled to choose which new piece to eulogize him. To showcase his artistic legacy and genius.
So why this one?
If you don’t read the text, which I didn’t include on purpose, I found that Sara Pezzini, the Witchblade, kind of look sad here. Some could say jadded, but to me, considering the fresh news of Jason’s passing, it’s like she is saying goodbye to him, farewell to a friend, a great artist who is off camera.
And what an artist indeed. Just look how grounded that splash is. How authentic it appears. Her stance, leaning on the pillar, how natural it looks. Her perfect face, the trademark Pearson bust, her clothes (look at those shoes!).The use of light source on the piece. The super stylized dragon behind her which makes you instantly feel like you ARE in some Chinatown somewhere. The overall composition including so many design elements: verticality of the surroundings, of her figure then horizontality as well.
Let’s also mention that to use a splash in that way is a bold artistic statement. Especially during the raging Image 90s. She is not leaping at the reader spitting saliva or grinding her teeth in full Witchblade armor here, she is leaning against a pillar, and it works so damn well, slowing the story tempo and allowing for exposition. Thoughtful storytelling.
Jason only drew 15 pages of that issue, this one likely being the best of them, and it made you wish that he drew all of them (both the remaining pages and all subsequent issues, actually). Just in 15 pages, he made the character his own. I mean, as much as I could like Mike Turner, Randy Green or Keu Cha’s art back when, there was no question in my mind whose version of the character I found best.
Jason was his own best inker but Jason Martin, much like Karl Story on other jobs, did a splendid job complementing his line here.
There will be many many more Pearson updates in my gallery, but this is my farewell to him.
THANK YOU for having shared your talent and the sublime artist you were with the outside world, Jason. Your body of work will continue to be appreciated and studied for years to come.
Yes, that is an -absolutely- fantastic splash page. Beautiful composition and lighting, impeccable backgrounds, and I have spent just as much time looking at her -shoes- (especially those treads!) as I have anything else here. Really great inking by Jason Martin, too. I'm very sorry that this was the occasion upon which you shared this piece (and your thoughts) with us, F M, but thank you for doing so (on both counts). Draw In Peace, J.P.
It's lovely, the relaxed and natural pose, especially. As you say, it's the perfect piece to show in light of Pearson's passing, as it really does seem to be a a goodbye from her. The artistic legacy lives on, however!
Aw, man. NICE! I tried tracking the previous owner down, but to no avail. (Apparently he wouldn't have had it anyways!!) Thanx for sharing, man. Best. E.
When I picked up my Pearson Witchblade piece, I didn't buy it because it was Witchblade. Not being a big Image fan, I honestly could not have cared less. The ONLY reason I bought it was because it was drawn by Jason. That's how much I love his work. That being said, this Witchblade splash is fantastic. I actually like that she's not in costume because he did such a great job on her civilian clothes. The detail on the shoes, the pants, the belt, and the jacket, all terrific. Very nice backgrounds too. He really put a lot of work into this splash. A special piece to remember him by. He will truly be missed.
Very nice character building page by Pearson who visually associates Sara's ferocity with that of a dragon. It's hip 90's grunge fashion she's in as well to have a modern look in contrast to a traditional motif. Great talent and his work shows how much of a perfectionist he was.
Great piece, and really indicative, as you note, of JP's unique skills as a true artist. I know you're a HUGE fan of his - don't know if I know one bigger. Very sorry to hear the news of his passing. RIP JP.
WOW I did not know you had this many JP's, been looking for years for the right one for me. I guess it will get even harder now that he is gone. Lucky you have many to look at when I want a fix ;-)