Jim Lee

Jim Lee is one of the most influential superhero comic book artists of the 90's.  His work on the ultra-popular X-Men and then on his own superhero creation, WildCATS, is the standard that many of today's artists measure themselves against.  At his best, Jim synthesizes the raw power of Kirby, the ever-solid figurework of John Byrne, and the attention to detail of Barry Windsor-Smith or Arthur Adams into a style that many have tried to imitate.  For better or worse, Jim is perhaps the most directly influential artist of the 90's.

• X-Men #271 p.25:  X-Men #271 is perhaps Jim Lee's finest artistic moment.  It is probably my favorite Jim Lee comic of all time.  It featured a terrific story focused on Wolverine, Psylocke, and Jubilee of the X-Men.  Jim's versions of Wolverine and Psylocke are probably the most lasting contribution he's made to the X-Men series.  This particular page is one of my favorite pages from Jim's run on the series.  I love the raw power and savagery that Jim can portray with just the right arrangement of lines on paper.  (Inks: Scott Williams)
• Deathblow #11 cover:  This wraparound cover is a good example of one of Jim's strengths -- namely, illustrating pumped-up brawny guys.  These guys ooze testosterone.  You can also see the detail he puts into his work, especially in the futuristic firearms.  (Inks: Troy Hubbs)